Stream of study: Co-op
Favourite co-op: Working at Brookfield Renewable as an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Intern because I got to dive deeper into corporate greenhouse gas reporting which is one of my areas of interest.
Are you involved in any campus clubs?
In the past, I’ve been involved with Waterloo Environment and Business Society, UW Campus Compost, and Impact Alliance. Currently, I am one of the Regional Officers for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Students Program at the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. I am working on developing and delivering a regional strategy to SDG university hubs across the United States and Canada. I also act as a “consultant” to help them execute their own strategies and goals in their individual hubs that aim to accelerate the SDGs in a post secondary setting.
Why did you choose to study in the Faculty of Environment at Waterloo?
I chose to study in the Faculty of Environment because it just felt like I belonged here. When I got my handwritten letter, I knew I will be valued by the Faculty. Other than the co-op aspect, the community at the Faculty of Environment is tight. A lot of people know each other because it is not hard to make connections given how small the Faculty is. Students also have an array of opportunities to make an impact in spaces they choose to be in, whether that’s on campus or outside of it.
What do you love most about your program?
What I love most about the program is that I get to learn new, interesting things in my courses. As a result, I feel even more compelled to take action for the planet in order to make it remain habitable for our future generations. The more I learn, the more I am equipped to be an effective eco-warrior.
What problem would you like to solve?
What drew me to the Faculty of Environment is the interdisciplinary approach to sustainability which is why it has different programs that cater to specific aspects like business, urban planning, policy and data analysis. I recognized that large organizations (e.g. corporations) are significantly contributing to the climate crisis. Through the Environment and Business program and my extracurricular activities, I have been able to compile the business tools and environmental knowledge I need to support the decarbonization of companies. At the Faculty of Environment, the courses available are plentiful. It gives me the opportunity to explore different areas of sustainability which makes me become more versatile in the business world! The co-op program has also helped me translate those knowledge into practice. I’m happy to be able to contribute in ways that I can in my co-op jobs.