Hello, my name is Mila Rose Van Allen, and I am 13 years old.

My ambition to become an Orca Behavior Biologist started with a classic: Free Willy. When I was 11, I first fell for orcas watching that movie.

That fascination led my parents to take me to SeaWorld when I was 12, where I saw their power and intelligence up close.

I was hooked.

But my passion became a life mission this year, when I was 13. My parents took me to Canada, and I saw orcas in the wild. Watching them was a powerful experience, especially seeing a mother and a newborn. I saw them swim, I watched them breathe, and I saw a baby whale—the future of the species—right next to its mother. In that moment, I knew: that was me.

I have to dedicate my life to protecting these animals in the ocean.

This campaign has a big, combined goal: to fund the reliable vehicle I need to launch my career, and to start supporting the whales right now.

I believe that if you ask for help, you must also help others. That’s why 10% of every dollar this campaign raises will be donated to Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) North America—the leading charity dedicated to the conservation and protection of all whales and dolphins.

My goal is to send them a total of $2,500 to support their crucial conservation efforts for endangered species, like the Southern Resident Orcas.

A $50 donation, for example, helps fund WDC’s educational programs for students and boaters, or supports their policy work to secure new protections for critical whale habitats.

My long-term goal is to be ready for university and fieldwork. To do this, I need reliable transportation by the time I turn 16 (three years from now).

I am raising money for a used Honda CR-V, a reliable SUV which is one of the safest and most fuel-efficient options for students and researchers.

The CR-V isn't just a car; it's a vital piece of equipment for my Marine Biology career:

It will allow me to drive to volunteer sites and future field research locations along the coast.

It will get me to my first job so I can save money for college tuition and advanced education.

The total cost of a reliable used vehicle, its first three years of high insurance premiums (for a new teen driver), registration, and necessary maintenance is estimated at $22,500.

I have already saved $222.95 from chores and odd jobs, but I need help closing the gap and securing this essential vehicle.

Our total campaign goal is $25,000. By supporting this goal, you are doing two things at once: investing directly in a future scientist, and funding the conservation efforts I will soon be joining.

Thank you so much for believing in my dream and for helping to protect the magnificent orcas.

— Mila Rose Van Allen (Age 13)