Student Spotlight: Joelle

Post date: Nov 16, 2012 4:25:52 PM

Have you found that a lot of your residents have certified?

Yes! My residents ranked as the second highest in the Kahn sustainability competition, we had 529 commitments cumulatively.

Do you feel that you influenced your residents?

I like to think that I influence and guide them in some way. They are always interested in knowing what more they can do, what would be an even greater step they can take. They are really proactive about sustainability and help me to continue to be passionate as well.

Why did you think it was important to certify your room?

I think it was a really visible initiative. Oberlin is really unique in its commitments. It is hard to build coalition outside of the Oberlin circle because there are so many differences between people that require breaching. I think surveys are a really good way to build a common ground between people and a good way to take action without making people sacrifice their personal opinions. I thought it was important to expose people to this way of thinking and to foster even the smallest lifestyle changes.

Have you told any other people about the program?

I haven’t specifically publicized it outside of Kahn, but people see my certificate on my door and ask about it and that starts a conversation and prompts them to take action. I think word of mouth is really important in this case and engaging people in conversation about sustainability is such a pivotal step in changing how we act. On that point, I also work for the Resource Conservation Team (RCT), where we work to improve campus environmental sustainability.

Do you feel the program is a good way to increase sustainability on campus?

Yes, I think it is a great way to increase sustainability. I think that it prompts people to think about the actions they take. However, I think that the program needs a follow-up because it is so easy to make commitments and then never follow through. So, I feel that it is a good pathway to open up other doors and goals and to get people thinking and talking about what they do and what they can do.

*The follow up survey should be out after Thanksgiving!

Why is sustainability important to you?

I have always thought it was important. When I was young, in the 5^th grade or so, I had to do a science fair project about agriculture on the moon. I have always felt that I played a very small role in the course of human history. However, through taking action towards sustainability and through this greater movement of environmental justice I became empowered. Whether it is my own actions or motivating others, I know that my small roles are steps towards substantial changes. Also, sustainability applies to all people. We all live on this earth and we are all affected by whatever happens to it, even if those environmental implications are not equally distributed or felt. I think another important issue is equality and equity within the movement, which also motivates me to take action and create social change. In sum, I think environmental sustainability is part of a larger movement to revolutionize the way the world works. It is so important to be passionate and act on those passions and not let larger narratives paralyze you.

What are your past actions and what are you planning to do in the future?

I am changed my lifestyle choices: what I eat, what I don’t eat, what modes of transport I choose to take, etc. That is how I started out. Now, I am getting more interested in making institutional changes and how to create systems that impact change even on the unconscious level. It is hard to push ideas onto people, but if the systems we live in are geared towards sustainability it is easy for people to make the sustainable choice. Really, I believe I have gone from microscopic view to a macroscopic view, from seeing the trees to the forest. For example: I work with the RCT on reuse initiatives like the Free Store, composting in dorms, etc. I’m searching now for ways to create equality within the environmental movement. It is not very diverse in a variety of levels, and I hope to make it more accessible to other groups and marginalized communities to get them involved so their demands will be met.

Is there anything else you want to add and anything you want to see happen in the future?

I would like to see more intersectional conversation with a lot of people with different backgrounds and interests. I think action is prompted by conversation, and it would be the first step to facilitate actions across the board.