by Ben Alter
“A professor opened my eyes to how wonderful rocks are,” says Ana Weinglass, one of this year’s winners of the Suzanne Macaoay Memorial Scholarship. “It’s amazing how much of the earth’s history you can read once you know what to look for.” Fortunately, her new-found interest in geology aligns with her interests in the outdoors and her concerns about climate change and the degradation of the environment. Her career goal is set.Since obtaining a GED at the age of 16, Ana has supported herself working various part-time jobs and teaching violin. But her real passion is the environment. She has pursued that passion by organizing letter campaigns on behalf of the Seaside Sustainability Action Network (SSAN), which is based in Massachusetts, and participating in programs run by the Climate Revolution Action Network (CRAN), whose mission is to facilitate change in New Jersey to combat climate change. “CRAN caters specifically to younger people. It gets them involved and excited about protecting the environment,” says Ana. She leads hikes for CRAN and connects with other young people while they connect with nature.
Ana plans to obtain her Associate of Science degree from Middlesex County Community College in Spring 2027 and then pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in earth sciences. She hopes to use her scientific know-how for the betterment of the earth.
Between a full course load and working 25-30 hours per week, Ana has little down time. “Every waking moment I’m doing something,” she says. She somehow manages to carve out time each day to read non-fiction books for pleasure: “I always want to know more.” Ana also finds time to play viola, her primary instrument (“I like to play classical music”) and have quality time with her cat, Wilson (“He’s a dumb cat”).