A Student Perspective on Building a Sustainable Future
November 25th, 2024, was a memorable day for me, standing out as a day of inspiration, connection, and renewed efforts in sustainability at the University of Waterloo – Eco Summit 2024. As a student panelist, I had the honor of sharing my thoughts, challenges, and aspirations with a community of like-minded individuals at the 11th annual Eco Summit. This year’s theme, “Finding Opportunity in Complex Times,” resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. It was a day to celebrate not only the sustainability achievements on campus but also the collective determination to tackle the social, economic, and environmental challenges we face as students and global citizens.
Collective Voices on the Student Panel
Joining me on the panel were two remarkable student leaders: Kwaku Twum, a PhD candidate and co-founder of Mapmate, and Chloe Sullivan, a passionate advocate for environmental stewardship and co-manager of UW Campus Compost. Together, we explored what it means to create meaningful change on campus as students, even when the odds might feel stacked against us.
Our discussion highlighted the unique power students hold in shaping a sustainable future. We spoke about initiatives driven by passion, such as the Young Eye Initiative, our social enterprise that represents the needs, interest and aspirations of young people – for the context of this conversation, I spoke about Young and Restless efforts.. It was humbling to share the stage with peers whose projects—whether in tech, urban planning, or waste reduction—are leaving tangible marks on the world.
The audience was engaged, and quite curious to say the least. One question that stood out to me was: “How can people help students like us continue our impact?”
We appreciated this question and in answering – the support of faculty, staff, and community members is instrumental in sustaining student-led initiatives. Whether it’s through mentorship, funding, or simply offering platforms to amplify our voices, the collective effort of the university community is a game-changer. As I emphasized in my response, it’s not just about providing resources but also about nurturing a culture where young people feel empowered and capable enough to achieve their goals.
What’s Next for Student Impact?
Another thought-provoking question we faced was: “How do you plan to continue your impact as students?”
Balancing academic demands with social entrepreneurship is not easy – as I talked about in my blog Work Life Balance, but I shared that it’s all about purpose and perseverance. Initiatives like the Young Eye Initiative are fueled by an unwavering commitment to create change. For me, it’s about leaving a legacy that inspires future students to pick up the torch.
Kwaku and Chloe echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, leadership and collaboration. By fostering networks of support among students, we can ensure that impactful projects don’t end when we graduate. Instead, they evolve and grow with each new generation of student leaders.
Applauding the Sustainability Office
The Sustainability Office deserves immense credit for orchestrating such a transformative event. From the opening remarks by President Vivek Goel to the unveiling of the Sustainability Leadership Certificate, their efforts have set a gold standard for fostering environmental stewardship on campus.
I applaud Director Mathew Thijssen, Alex Farley, Amelia Upper and the entire Sustainability Office team for their relentless dedication to making sustainability an accessible and actionable goal for all within the Kitchener-Waterloo region.
The Takeaway: Finding Opportunity in Complexity
As the day wrapped up, the release of the 2024 Environmental Sustainability Report served as a powerful reminder of the strides that have been made and the work that lies ahead. The challenges we face—climate change, inequality, resource scarcity—may sound daunting, but they are also opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and growth.
For me, the Eco Summit wasn’t just an event. It was a call to action, a celebration of what’s possible when passionate individuals come together for a common cause. It reaffirmed my belief that, as students, we have a unique capacity to lead with courage and creativity.
To my fellow students, the experienced staff, and faculty: thank you for your questions, your support, and your commitment to a better world. Let’s continue to find opportunity in complexity and inspire change that ripples far beyond the walls of our campus.
- Inspired Work In-Progress.
