October 1, 2012
Such a simple sentence, yet so much meaning. That is what most students in the School of Sustainability want to do. At the School’s 2012 Fall Welcome, new freshman and transfer students mingled while eating free Chipotle burritos, met Dean and United Nations Champion of the Earth, Sander van der Leeuw (cue new student excitement: “That’s so cool!”), and pondered their futures.
Arnaud Irakoze was born in Burundi, Africa, a country right below Rwanda. He is now a Phoenician, getting used to the heat like other newbies. Interested in solar power, Irakoze chose to explore the Sustainable Energy, Materials, and Technology challenge area. “Phoenix is hot and sunny so we might as well have solar power,” he simply puts it.
Brynn Szukala, a freshman pursuing the International Development and Sustainability challenge, became interested in international affairs after traveling with her family. “I want to be able to see the connections between countries and how we all relate to each other. Sustainability is the future.”
Another student, Aaron Gardner, is looking forward to “getting good grades, meeting new people, and having fun—but not too much fun.” He was attracted to ASU and the School because he would like to market sustainability one day. He is roommates with fellow Californian and classmate, James Gomez. Gomez’s high school education on environmental sciences and gardening led him to study sustainability. He is following his big sister’s business degree and pursuing the Economics of Sustainability challenge area.
Ashley Sanders, a freshman from Mesa, wants to become an urban farmer. She is excited about her service learning course where she will be volunteering for local farmers markets. About sustainability, she says, “It’s not really a job, it’s a lifestyle.”
No matter what, these newcomers have the ability to sustain their hopes and dreams (get it? Sustain-ability.) The School wishes you the best, guys!
By Natalie Muilenberg
Editor Assistant, Global Institute of Sustainability