Q. Tell us what it was like "growing up Summer."

A. I grew up in Pennsylvania, on a plot of land between a forest and two fields. My mom had a rough time bringing me indoors. When I wasn't outdoors, I brought it indoors!

Q. It sounds like you were an environmentalist from the start!

A. I was always curious about nature. At nine, I fell in love with my mom's National Geographic magazines. I loved Edward Curtis' photographs on American Indian culture. And I was fascinated with Africa and always knew that I wanted to go there.

Q. Was there anything you were afraid of?

A. Not really - I learned early on to listen to my own voice. I was fascinated by what makes insects move and what medicinal uses plants might have. I was always thinking about nature.

Q. How did you know you wanted to be an environmentalist?

A.At 13, I was on the local Environmental Advisory Council. I applied for park grants to plant more trees. Those trees are huge now. I also worked collecting water samples in streams to check the water quality. I was always an activist at heart.

Q. You are called an "eco-model" What is that?!!

A. I am a spokesperson for the environmental community in the fashion world. I teach fashion designers and businesses how to be environmentally friendly. Basically, I connect people.

Q. Tell us about deciding to go to Cornell College.

A. I wanted a college that had an environmental science department and an African studies department. No one from my high school had gone to an Ivy League school before, and Cornell became my goal.

Q. But you needed to make it happen on your own, right?

A. I was raised by a single mom. We had nine animals in addition to me. My mom was focused on having 10 mouths to feed. I applied for 23 scholarships by myself and got 6. It's a reminder that sometimes, girls have to make it happen on their own!

Q. If you could be any thing, what would you be?

A. I'd actually be three things: A magnifying glass, to look and examine things closely. Velcro, so when you find good things, you can stick to them. And a bridge, to connect people and issues better.

Q. Do you have any tips for young girls?

A. To be as independent as possible, and to develop strength from the inside. You may have a lack of resources, but it is so important to rely on yourself. Close friends and family may not be there to catch you when you fall. But you can do it.

Q. That's what inspired the Girl360 shirt we created for you - the one that says "Falling Down Can Be Beautiful." What other quote do you want to share with our Girl360 girls?

A."Only a fool walks on the edge of a cliff. Only the man who has walked there knows what's behind. Only the man who has walked there knows where no man has been, and where no man has been is where some men must go."

Q. OK -- but can we change that to "where no woman or girl has been?"

A. Yes!