By Michaela Kapala
Growing up across from a farm with chickens living in my backyard, I’m the type to be content fishing in my backyard with my toes buried in the grass and the sun on my face. Being a particularly curious person immersed in nature and anything oozy or gooey throughout my childhood, studying biology at IUSB was just a natural step for me. I’ve made it to my sophomore year now and can proudly say that I know the difference between chordates and polyplacophora (it’s easy: one is a human and one lives in the ocean). I can also proudly say that I can give a definition of sustainability and understand the importance of looking at the triple bottom line and double sided printing.
Since the summer of my freshman year, I have been working in the Center as part of their staff to increase community outreach through social media and networking. I’ve enjoyed updating the Center’s YouTube channel with short videos about recycling while bike riding and keeping their Facebook page fresh with tips and tidbits on how to live green. This year I plan to increase our outreach by adding more videos which highlight local events and organizations, such as this year’s Green Town Michiana and the Center’s Earth Day celebration and our very own Unity Gardens. So be sure to look for my face and the face of your friends this year on our YouTube page!
Another very exciting project I will be working on with the Center staff this year is the launch of IUSB’s biker gang; a group of students, faculty, and community members cycling around South Bend to promote fellowship and good times. We’ve cleverly named this project “Ride the Story” as we will be filming these rides to share our laughs with our followers on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.
Since working in the Center and expanding my knowledge of green living, I’ve learned that sustainability doesn’t only involve the preservation of the earth, but the preservation of humanity as well. I firmly believe that keeping a strong outreach through our social media and networking is an important aspect of the work we do here at the Center and I am proud to see the results of our growing online community. So get connected online to stay updated with what we’re doing in the Center this year!
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