Blog

It’s an Alumni Takeover

}

Jun 14, 2019

f you’re reading this, you’re in for a journey.

I’m not going to introduce myself because I’ll be staying anonymous throughout this new summer blog series. Just know that I’m a 20-something, recent graduate, a TGP alum, and millenial with a serious concern for where our world is headed in regards to sustainable development. This summer, I’ll be giving you my unfiltered thoughts and real reactions to this ever-changing world and climate that we are going through right here on a weekly TGP blog.

cjslzysp104vttti5o0gsa1d3 glenn carstens peters 203007 unsplash

“This series  will mimic a Scorsese film, starting in the middle and then bouncing back to the beginning, before almost reaching the end, and then avalanche back to the middle and now I am just rambling and I am not sure how this sentence is going to end.. all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.”

This summer I will be bringing you blogs on issues in sustainability, climate change, topical content with what is going on in popular culture, and everything in between! My writing style (as you may have picked up on) is completely authentic and conversational. The pieces are going to include a lot of my own opinions that I have drawn, but that is only because I want to spark debate and conversation! My grammar ain’t the bestest but hey. 

It is my mission, nay, my duty, to inspire people (hell, I’ll take inspiring just one person) to live a better life for themselves. Scouts honor:

cjwv1edug001sy2i5pf08lrrh scouts honor

Why I’m doing this.


Passion. Hope. Humor.

There are so many reasons why I am here, and above all is experiencing Iceland with TGP. It was truly a life changing experience and opened my eyes to the beauty I had been taking for granted my whole life. I always enjoyed nature, but I never realized how much we could be destroying it.. I appreciated it as it was right now without thinking about where it would be in the future. THAT is why we are here. That F-u word everyone hates to think and talk about. The Future. What does my decision to eat this entire Jacks Pizza (tbh every Jack’s pizza is a personal pizza… also, no free ads.. Jack’s cut the check.) and polish off a few cold ones mean about my tomorrow.. It means that tomorrow I will more than likely feel like shit..

Well right now Motha Nature is on the biggest bender of her life and we could be moving into a comatose state of permanent hangover. I am here because I love this sexy little sphere we spin around on. I am here because I, like many people, was not well informed about the adverse effects of coal and plastic, or the processes of carbon capture and storage and the future of transportation. I am here to make learning fun! Like that English teacher who got you interested in reading because of their passion for the art of literature, or that science teacher who blew something stuff up to teach you hydrocarbon and oxygen’s combine to go boom and produce heat, water, and carbon dioxide. This is why I am here rambling on like Robert Plant (get it… cuz plant = nature, I am too good at this) *pats own back*

I am a writer of the people and I also want to hear what you want to know about! Comments section is open here so drop by and leave me a message on something you want me to write about!

cjwv2zr0m005oy2i5tcd83o7z pasted image 0
cjwv38jj6006sy2i5zasxyi43 the dude 1

“Party Shades On” – not Bill Nye, but me.. again.. just now

Let’s jump into this. Read my first blog to get the 411 and my thoughts on greenwashing!

Read Another Article

Honoring Kate Slattery & Highlighting the Shine On Scholarship for Women’s History Month

Honoring Kate Slattery & Highlighting the Shine On Scholarship for Women’s History Month

In honor of Women’s History Month, The GREEN Program is happy to highlight Kate Slattery – a mechanical engineer and photovoltaic designer for SolarCity who challenged herself and others to work toward a global mission of renewable energy and sustainability. We are honored to work with Kate’s family and GivePower to share Kate’s story and provide the Shine On Scholarship to TGP students in memory of Kate. 

read more
How an Online Sustainability Program Helped Jaedyn Medrano Become an Intersectional Sustainability Advocate

How an Online Sustainability Program Helped Jaedyn Medrano Become an Intersectional Sustainability Advocate

This blog features the virtual Nepal Ethics of Sustainable Development Alum, Jaedyn Medrano who says, “this program taught me how to think about a project holistically, and it has guided me along the path to being a better cultured and inclusive young professional.” She is set to graduate with a double major in Renewable Natural Resources & Ecological Restorations in December of 2022.

read more
Defending Reproductive Rights in the Battle for Climate Justice

Defending Reproductive Rights in the Battle for Climate Justice

Reproductive Justice is Climate Justice. The GREEN Program stands to defend the reproductive rights of all women and people who give birth to access safe reproductive health care. We must do more to educate others and understand the interconnection between Reproductive Justice and the Climate Crisis. It’s important to draw the connections between climate change, pollution, and reproductive rights.

read more
An International Graduate Student Embraces Nepali Culture by Studying Abroad through Shine On Scholarship

An International Graduate Student Embraces Nepali Culture by Studying Abroad through Shine On Scholarship

On one hand, I believe that every student should be given a chance to study abroad at least once in their life, because it teaches us things that textbooks cannot: adaptability, resilience, curiosity, empathy, just to name a few. Whether good or bad, bursting our bubble and learning about our world will inspire us and open our minds. On the other hand, the people we interact with benefit from the diversity, because all of us bring unique perspectives to the table. Perhaps we share an idea that no one has thought of but could be key to solving a problem; we fuel the aspirations of someone who is facing similar difficulties; or help take down stereotypes.  

read more
Remembering Juneteenth and the Fight for Environmental Justice

Remembering Juneteenth and the Fight for Environmental Justice

n June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX, and announced the end of the Civil War and the end of slavery. It is on this day every year since that we celebrate “Juneteenth” as the end of slavery in the United States. It is a day that we celebrate ancestors and leaders who fought to be liberated. We celebrate their power, resiliency, and tenacity. 

read more
LGBTQ+ Leaders and Organizations in Sustainability to Know About this Pride Month

LGBTQ+ Leaders and Organizations in Sustainability to Know About this Pride Month

The GREEN Program loves to celebrate love, and there is no better way to do that this month than by recognizing a few LGBTQ+ leaders and organizations that are making a difference not just in their own communities but for our planet altogether. Read below to learn more about some people and spaces that are working together to promote a better world that focuses on inclusion and equality.

read more
Meet 8 AAPI Leaders in Sustainability: Across the Globe and At Home

Meet 8 AAPI Leaders in Sustainability: Across the Globe and At Home

The month of May is known to many as the end of classes and the start of Summer, but May is also known as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Our team at TGP wanted to take a moment to recognize the contributions and influence of AAPI Americans throughout history, culture, and achievements both on a global scale, and from those who are a bit close to home. We also encourage you to learn more about AAPI Heritage Month and get involved through additional resources.

read more
From a Start Up to a Sustainability Study Abroad Program: How Patrick Applied his Passion for Renewable Energy in Iceland

From a Start Up to a Sustainability Study Abroad Program: How Patrick Applied his Passion for Renewable Energy in Iceland

When Fall 2021 rolled around and I saw the TGP scholarship opportunity, I thought I’d apply not expecting much. When I found out that I actually got it, I was like “I guess I’m actually doing this!”. I was a little nervous and anxious but also so excited for the opportunity! I was also grateful that the enrollment process was very smooth for me with no significant challenges along the way.

read more
Boston University Student Gains a Unique Perspective for Renewable Energy & Sustainability by Studying Abroad in Iceland

Boston University Student Gains a Unique Perspective for Renewable Energy & Sustainability by Studying Abroad in Iceland

Global experiences have definitely shaped me into the person I am today through increased cultural awareness and sensitivity. Getting to really know a great group of diverse individuals from all over the world has not only shaped my perspective on current world issues, but has also allowed me to take a glance at certain topics from another angle and point of view.

read more
A Construction Science Major Turns Lessons into Opportunity after a Sustainability Study Abroad Program 

A Construction Science Major Turns Lessons into Opportunity after a Sustainability Study Abroad Program 

AJ Ewing spent his past Winter Break a little bit differently than most students, by studying abroad on our GREEN Nepal program. As a Construction Science major, AJ notes that he was nervous coming into the study abroad program having no prior experience in sustainability or electrical/solar grids, but he was excited and eager to learn. As soon as he arrived, all his nerves were gone as he was welcomed by our team and ready to dive in. Now, he can honestly say that when he thinks of The GREEN Program, he thinks of “family away from home.”

read more
How a Geologist Made His Sustainability Dream in Iceland a Reality through a Study Abroad Scholarship

How a Geologist Made His Sustainability Dream in Iceland a Reality through a Study Abroad Scholarship

As someone who is in a field with a limited representation of ethnic minorities, TGP created a neutral ground where there was a range of diversity on different levels. My GREEN Program experience in Iceland wasn’t just about the adventures and cultural immersion, but about the education too. I thoroughly enjoyed the lectures because I saw how passionate the different lecturers were about their work and research which is truly inspiring. As a geologist, learning more about the wonder that is Iceland in Iceland was definitely a dream come true.

read more
Get to Know GREENie: Maryam Aida Tidjani

Get to Know GREENie: Maryam Aida Tidjani

Maryam Aida Tidjani got to experience a brand new kind of GREEN Program during the hard times the world was facing, a 100% Virtual and Online experience. Initially planning on traveling to Peru in 2021, the global pandemic continued to shift things around and we had to pivot all travel programs to Online experiences.

read more

Subscribe to The GREEN Program newsletter & updates

Loading...
Skip to content