AmeriCorps: A Year in Review

With only three weeks left, I'm looking back at my service term as the AmeriCorps for Clark County Green Schools. As with most things, I like to focus on the numbers. I was able to visit 70 schools during lunch time, do 14 waste audits, teach ten lessons, help implement five milk dispensers, and work at three big events. All in all, I got to interact with about 6,500 students this year.

Carly at a tree planting event with Camas High School

Data aside, the most rewarding thing about this year was connecting with students. I saw 5th graders roll up their sleeves to dig through garbage during a waste audit. I chatted with 2nd graders about composting and Beyoncé, in the same 5 minutes. I worked with a high school senior to start a Green Team before she left for college. Most importantly, I saw students stand a little taller as they realized that they could be environmental leaders for their schools, and that was just the best.

I am headed off to graduate school in the fall to study environmental policy and forest ecology at the University of Washington. But before I leave, I want to give a huge thank you to all of the Clark County students and school staff for your incredible work this year! I appreciate your enthusiasm and commitment to making your schools more sustainable. And of course, thank you to my wonderful Green Schools team: Michelle, Ellen, Eric, and Kaley. You all are the best, keep up the great work.