Point Bonita Inspiration
Albany High School
School Contact Information
Lizzy A., Albany High School, Albany
I love to write and sing songs about the environment.
Your Environmental Story
Share an experience you've had as a child or young adult that shaped your environmental values or behaviors (time in nature, play, a school project, a teacher, a mentor?) What inspired you to care?
Last year, I went as a volunteer/co-teacher with a fourth grade class on their annual 3-day field trip to Point Bonita. The naturalists who had dedicated their lives to teaching children about nature along with the biodiversity and beauty of the area truly inspired me to get involved with preserving the environment.
How do you make an environmental difference at your school or in your community? What motivated you to take action or change your behaviors?
I am in an A.P. Environmental Science class and take part in the EDSET program, designed for students to intern at environmental organizations. Because I am in this class and program, I have been able to teach a lot of people about the topics I have learned about in class and at my internship. The severity of the problems learned about in class motivate me to take action.
Through the EDSET program, I have an internship at the U.C. Botanical Garden where I work to preserve the biodiversity of rare plants.
Did any experiences or teachers at school influence your environmental values or behaviors? If Yes, what & why? If No, what and why not?
Yes, my environmental science teacher's knowledge and way of teaching influenced me. Through various activities, for example reading articles on environmental topics, he has made learning accessible and relevant to my life. He inspired me to protect the environment in simple ways at home, like turning off the water when brushing my teeth and reducing the amount of waste I produce.
Moving Forward
What would you most like to share with other students?
I would like to share how easy it is to take action. Every action or project makes a difference, whether it's buying a more fuel-efficient car or simply recycling. You feel better about yourself when you help the environment.
What do you hope to do next? How do you stay inspired?
I hope to maybe major in an environmental studies program and have a job that focuses on the environment. I stay inspired by writing songs that incorporate environmental issues.