Wow, where do I even start? I can’t begin to explain the impact that the Eco-Digital Storytellers program has had on my life. I will never forget the first day that my fellow mentor Mary and I were preparing for our first class visit. I remember thinking to myself, “How am I going to get up in front of an entire class of students who are just two years younger than me?” “Are they going to take me seriously?” What I didn’t realize then was that just a few short months later, I would be walking out of GHAA for the last time, choked up, with tears in my eyes.
The progress I have seen in these students over the past few months has been extraordinary. Although they needed a little push at times, I can confidently say that every student took their initial ideas and turned them into truly amazing final products. The showcase couldn’t have gone better, and I felt so much pride for all of the groups who presented. I am also incredibly proud to share that the principal of GHAA, Maryam Wardak, was so inspired by the students’ work that she is providing them with the funding to carry out their projects. This achievement is a testament to their dedication and a powerful reflection of the school’s commitment to a greener future.
When I left GHAA that final time, I told the students that if they felt I had made an impact on them, they should know they impacted me ten times more. I have learned so much through being a mentor and I am proud to say that I have fostered such meaningful relationships with the students that I will cherish forever. As an aspiring teacher, this experience has also given me valuable tools that I will carry into my future classroom. This GHAA class will always be my first class, and I am so excited to see what the future holds for these students, as well as for their school, with the implementation of these environmental projects.
I want to give a special thank you to my absolutely wonderful co-mentor, Mary. The car rides to Hartford were some of the most special moments, and I am so grateful for the time we shared. Thank you for being my big sister at UConn and I am so excited to watch you continue changing the world after graduation. I would also like to thank Laurel and Laura for giving me the opportunity to be part of this incredible program. Thank you for believing in me and for your unwavering support throughout the semester. Expect lots of visits from me next year!
This program is so incredibly special, and I am eager to see what lies ahead for EDS. We all have the power to create change, and this program truly demonstrates that by building a bridge between budding ideas and real world application. It reminds us that change doesn’t have to start big, it begins with people who are willing to care, to try, and to take that first step. Through this program, we see that every idea has potential, and every person has the ability to make a difference.