Summer School: A Green Awakening

When I first applied to the Green For All College Ambassador program, I did not really know much about it. Honestly, it was my first time ever hearing about Green For All, and when I went to check out its website, the organization's mission statement barely registered with me. My goal was simply to build my resume, earn some cash, and learn a little about what it meant to be an "environmentalist". To my surprise, however, over the course of my Ambassadorship, my priorities would shift to become less self-seeking, and more focused on greater goals.

At our first official Ambassador Training in October of 2010, I learned immediately that my involvement with Green For All would not consist of an ode to tree hugging, but that there existed a greater, common goal that so many people of various backgrounds wanted to see realized: environmental equality for all. And though I did not understand what environmental equality and justice were at the time, or what an inclusive green economy meant, I could see that this program was something that would positively influence my paradigm of the world around me. This program would teach me to be more analytical of my own carbon footprint on Earth, and that I could help others be more aware of their carbon footprints as well.

As a Green For All Ambassador at Dillard University, I learned much about why it is important for our society to develop a green economy. To have a green economy means to have an economy that gives its citizens basic human rights: rights to clean air, affordable housing, adequate health care, and Green Jobs, jobs that provide employees with livable working wages and benefits, while keeping the environment in mind at the same time.

My experience with Green For All has allowed my eyes to be opened to a side of life that I never knew existed. From being able to work directly with the Deep South Center of Environmental Justice, to working with Pam Broom in order to coordinate an on-campus greenhouse garden, life as a green ambassador was great and rewarding, to say the least. The stipend at the end of every month did not hurt either. Hats off to all of those who diligently worked to make our first year experience memorable and totally awesome!