When I moved from California to Georgia at the age of eighteen, it marked a period of uncertainty in my life. Being in a new environment and surrounded by unfamiliar faces left me feeling like an outsider. It seemed as though everyone had everything all figured out – they knew their major, they knew each other, and everything seemed clear cut. In contrast, I felt lost, uncertain about my future, and unsure if I’d ever find my place. I lived in a grey area while everyone else was in black and white. Looking back, I now know that this feeling of uncertainty is a common experience, but at the time, it drove me towards exploration. I tried on many hats during my college career, some didn’t fit, but many did. One of these hats was sustainability studies, which appealed to me because it offered multiple paths, almost like a hat that could bend in several different ways. Sustainability is a vast subject with numerous avenues to explore. The sustainability certificate program at the University of Georgia defines these avenues as the social sphere, economic sphere, and ecological sphere. Through my time spent exploring these spheres, my world began to transform into a more defined black and white and allowed me to find who I am and what I want to do in my future career.
The course that sparked my interest in this certificate program was LAND 2310- Introduction to Sustainability. Initially, I held the misconception that sustainability merely encompassed popular trends such as using metal straws, carrying reusable water bottles, and practicing recycling. However, this class proved to be an eye-opening experience, as it delved into a wide range of sustainability topics. From exploring the impact of the urban heat island effect to engaging in watershed analysis, the course provided a comprehensive overview of this vast field. As the class progressed, my curiosity grew, and I found myself yearning to explore each subject in greater depth.
Another course that resonated with me was GEOG 1125- Resources, Society, and the Environment. Like the previous course, it covered a vast range of topics, including resource consumption, food production, and water and air quality. What set this class apart for me, however, was Professor Steacy’s emphasis on service learning. As a result, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Athens Land Trust, an experience that left a profound impact on my freshman year. Living in the dorms and primarily visiting the University of Georgia campus left me feeling disconnected from nature. However, this service learning experience provided a much-needed reconnection with nature, grounding me in a chaotic time and further expanding my environmental education.
To explore the intersection of sustainability and economics, I enrolled in two courses: FINA 3000 (Introduction to Financial Management) and LAND 4360 (Advanced Ecology). While FINA 3000 was considerably outside my major and comfort zone, I recognize the value of expanding my educational horizons and trying on different hats. This course revealed to me the profound impact of the economy on environmental decisions and acquainted me with the principles and topics of that world. Meanwhile, in Advanced Ecology, my semester-long group project tasked us with designing a section of the Sandy Creek Nature Trail, where we had to consider stakeholders and budget constraints. Through this project, I gained real-world experience and developed a broader perspective on sustainability as not just a narrow and isolated field, but one that permeates various sectors. Overall, these two courses significantly enriched my understanding of sustainability’s multifaceted nature and its implications on different industries.
To fulfill the ecological sphere requirement, I enrolled in LAND 1500: Introduction to Landscape Architecture. This course had an enormous impact on my college career, serving as my first introduction to my major in Landscape Architecture. Professor Spooner began by defining Landscape Architecture principles, but quickly delved into how they affect our daily lives. This approach illuminated the impact of Landscape Architects in beautifying spaces and creating functionality. It inspired me to view the landscape through a new lens, leading me to explore my surroundings in new ways and transforming my perspective of the world around me. In short, this course was a pivotal moment that sparked my passion for Landscape Architecture and set me on the path to where I am today.
During my final year of the sustainability certificate program, I enrolled in two captivating courses, the Environmental Ethics Seminar and Sustainability Seminar, where I had the privilege of listening to several experts from various professional fields who shared their research and experiences with the class. Among the speakers who had a profound impact on me during my Environmental Ethics course was Tim Beatly, a specialist in Biophilic Design, which focuses on creating designs with a direct connection to nature. His lecture reiterated the essential role of biophilia in our lives, as evidenced by reduced stress hormones after a walk or the calming effect of bird songs in hospitals. Another speaker that left a lasting impression on me was from Creature Comforts, a local brewery in Athens, Georgia, during our Sustainability Seminar. The speaker detailed the brewery’s sustainability efforts, revealing the challenges and benefits associated with such an endeavor. The lecture increased my admiration for businesses that strive to be green, as it involves much more than just placing recycle bins or reusing utensils. These enlightening talks heightened my enthusiasm for possible future career endeavors in sustainability due to my expanded knowledge and understanding acquired through the certificate program.
The sustainability certificate program has been an integral part of my journey in Landscape Architecture, as these two fields are often intertwined. When designing, I find myself drawing on the principles and concepts that I learned in my sustainability courses, always considering the impact of my work on both people and the planet. As a designer, I understand that my decisions can have far-reaching consequences, and I feel inspired to ensure that my impact leads to a greater good.
The Sustainability Certificate Program offered me a path forward during a time of uncertainty in my freshman year. While I felt stuck in a gray area while everyone else seemed to exist in black and white, I learned to appreciate the value of existing in the gray. My sustainability education revealed that things in life are rarely as simple as right and wrong; there are always multiple factors to consider. By adopting a multi-dimensional perspective that takes into account economic, social, and ecological considerations, I can evaluate the best solutions to complex problems. In my future endeavors in sustainability and Landscape Architecture, I hope to continue wearing the gray hat and leave a legacy that benefits both people and the planet. By using my knowledge and skills to create designs that balance form, function, and sustainability, I can contribute to a more just and equitable world for all.