EJ Changemakers know that structural change drives, and will heal, the environmental crisis. They are informed on how government, business, and social structures are the primary drivers of the environmental crisis, and envision how to revise and reimagine them to restore environmental justice. 

EJ Changemakers make informed choices in their day-to-day routines to sustain and regenerate our planet, while also acknowledging that individual-level choices are necessary but insufficient to restore environmental justice. 

EJ Changemakers have strategies and dispositions to healthily manage the complex, challenging work of changemaking.

We were fortunate enough to have had the experience to visit Case Western Reserve University's Law School where we explored climate policies, learned about diverse international laws related to the environment, and inquired about career pathways. It was an immersive experience that I'm very grateful to have been a part of.

At the EJ Semester, we've covered the harmful effects of overconsumption and capitalism, causing us to investigate potential solutions to lessen our waste production. The first necessary way to make a difference is by changing bad habits in our individual lives. An example of this at EJ was our mending clothes workshop where we gathered as a community to sew patches and designs on worn items of clothing to preserve their lifespans and be more sustainable.

One of my favorite practices within the EJ community is that we start and end every day with circles. We take turns leading by asking a question of any kind and going around, one by one, and answering. It's such a beautiful way to cultivate friendships and bonds by getting to know one another through storytelling, laughing, and listening. Finally, we complete every circle with gratitude for those in and outside of our EJ community.

One class project this semester was to research one of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and educate peers on the issue. I organized a quick visual summary of my gathered information on the problems surrounding health and well-being across the globe. I highlighted the roots of problems, potential solutions, our current status, and communities involved. Not only was this a productive way to learn and engage with classmates, but it prompted me to develop a large interest in public health careers and future endeavors.

After completing online training, I received a Leave No Trace certification. This indicates my dedication to respecting and protecting the environment.