Emma Mericle is a second year in the Occupational Therapy Doctoral program at the University of Texas Medical Branch. She is named this year's Bing Scholar granting her the opportunity to make her dream of serving the Galveston community a reality. She is implementing Bloom Community Garden in Galveston, Texas at the Sunshine Center. She hopes to teach individuals with intellectual disabilities about the importance of gardening while working on their independence and overall mental well-being. 

 

She believes that our world is lacking immensely in civility and kindness. By coming together, she knows Bloom will flourish the community in many avenues.