Graduate School Essay When I think of the future of America, I envision a place where all individuals understand their impact on and obligation to the world around them. Lately, it seems that environmental concerns are hardly taken seriously, and that other political agendas outweigh the importance of environmental law. I predict that without a shift in the mindset of legislators, as well as American citizens, vast environmental destruction will be imminent. Throughout my Writing and Rhetoric “Professional Writing” studies at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, the concept of audience analysis persisted. I learned that tone, style, and even the message itself can be misunderstood without generating content with a specific group in mind. Through conducting research and synthesizing reports, I have concluded that failing rhetoric is the key reason why environmentally conscious legislation has been stifled. Policy is created by those who do, and I strive to be a doer. So far, I have felt fulfilled by having a determined work ethic and unrivaled dedication towards my ventures, however, I feel as though my specialties as a rhetor and as a writer, would benefit the environmental community, and could perhaps inspire positive change among ecological legislation. I desire to be a person who understands and confronts my obligation, not just to the world around me, but to future generations, my children, my children’s children. Columbia Law School has been known as a leader among environmental law since the idea of ecology and human culpability for the destruction of the environment emerged. To me, this is a group of intellectuals who understand the importance of protecting the environment as well as that resources were not provided to humans for their personal usage. The Earth has existed for 4.5 billion years, and should be here for another 4.5, with plenty of resources to sustain those populations. In-depth green energy legislation and research will not appear without dedication among those who believe in sustainable practices. My goal is to be amid the group that understands and takes action against impeding environmental disaster caused by a lack of legislation and mass ignorance among the general public.