In my first year here, I was frustrated by the campus composting and recycling system, so I did something about it. As part of a self-designed internship with CEEDS, I scouted every room in every academic building to map and inventory existing receptacles. Using my statistical and data science skills, I analyzed and visualized this data which helped inform a new waste collection plan. I then worked with Facilities Management staff to add clear signage, relocate old bins and deploy new bins.

“As a transfer student, I found my first Smith community in CEEDS. Now, I'm helping to strengthen our community.”

Now, as a senior, I'm working with CEEDS to build community within the environmental concentrations. I noticed that the only formal opportunities concentrators had to meet each other was in initiation meetings and then, at the end of their time, in the capstone course. I wanted to create more opportunities for connection, so I have been organizing bonding events like PechaKucha events, bubble tea outings and lawn games on Earth Day. I'm stoked to see how future Smithies work with CEEDS and continue to build opportunities for connection within the environmental concentration. As a transfer student, I found my first Smith community in CEEDS. Now, I'm helping to strengthen our community.