Sustainability with Shannon

Transcript

Let’s catch up with Shannon, a senior environmental science major with a concentration in watershed science. She also minors in marine science and environmental writing and rhetoric. Shannon’s love for Nature led her to ESF where she found her purpose working with the sustainability program and also helping her fellow students as a writing tutor. Tell us your story, Shannon. Take it away.

– Thank you, Alex. Hi, everyone. Growing up, I was moving around a lot from Hawaii to Taiwan and even Australia, but one thing stayed consistent, my love for nature. So I decided to go to ESF, where everyone’s love for nature fuels change. At ESF, I had the opportunity to work with the Office of Sustainability in the dorm building Centennial Hall. I became an eco representative, which grew my passions for helping to keep our planet healthy. I now continue that work as a student engagement assistant. To me, sustainability means supporting communities and taking the steps to reduce the impact we have on the environment. At ESF, most of the cafe items are compostable and we also have recycling bins in every building. There are even signs and a video that helps students and faculty sort their trash properly. ESF does an incredible job in spreading news on opportunities through newsletters, career fairs, and special speakers in classes. Plus, our courses offer a unique education that helps build a skillset you can’t get anywhere else. Many times I found myself waist deep in a stream or lake for class and I loved it. I also work as a writing tutor in the Writing Resources Center. I have learned various ways to convey information depending on the audience and my own communication skills have improved drastically. I can now present confidently in front of a large audience. ESF is a unique and exceptional place to learn. With majors in forestry, engineering, biology and more, you have the opportunity to gain once in a lifetime experiences. From building your own taxidermy to holding a sturgeon, you can fuel your own passions. Thank you for listening to my story. Back to you, Alex.

– Shannon, we love how you are not only playing a part in keeping our planet healthy, but teaching others to do the same. You’ll definitely leave this planet better than you found it, thanks again.