1. In what ways were you involved in Sustainability efforts on campus during your time as a student?

This year I was the Secretary of the Environmental Task Force, a new organization started with the focus on changing the environment through volunteering and acts of service. In this role I had the opportunity to be a part of a number of sustainability projects such as: UMBC Sustainability Leadership Retreat, EcoFest, Harvest Fest, and Fort McHenry’s Ivy Removal. As secretary I met a number of awesome UMBC students from different cultural backgrounds and majors, but what united us was our passion for changing the environment.

2. What compelled you be involved? What did you get out of the experiences?

Last Summer I interned at the Maryland League of Conservation Voters as a legislative intern. During my time there I discovered that our sustainability coordinator, Tanvi, previously worked with the same organization. I’ve always been interested in improving sustainability at UMBC, so I reached out to her and she quickly put me in contact with Jasmine Wands, ETF’s president, and from there its all history.

To be around like-minded people who share similar views and concerns about the environment as myself has been by far been the best experience. Also, to have the opportunity to experience first hand that regardless of cultural backgrounds, academic majors, or age, the topic of sustainability concerns EVERYBODY! To be a part of the initiatives to help students understand this was awesome and to witness how many UMBC students, who aren’t GES majors, take action to have a more sustainable campus gave me great hope for the school’s future.

3. What changes have you seen take place during your time at UMBC?

I’m a huge fan of The Community Garden being built. It shows that you if you want change to happen on campus, then you have to be willing to take action. Also, during my time at UMBC I have witnessed many of the environmental organizations become more diverse, which is a trend I would love to see continue for years to come.

4. What is your vision for the state of sustainability at UMBC 5 years from now?

For the next five years I am confident that more student led initiatives, similar to The Garden, will begin to take shape. I am also hopeful that as students become more educated on campus sustainability, events like EcoFest, Harvest Fest, or RecycleMania will draw much larger crowds. With that education, I hope even by next year when students see a bin labeled “Landfill” or “Compostables” in The Commons, they won’t spend a day and a half thinking about which bin to dump their trash.

5. What are the most important lessons you’ve learned through your work and efforts that you wish to share with UMBC students?

I know you’ve heard it a billion times before, but seriously, DON’T BE AFRAID TO STEP OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE! There are so many awesome students and professors at UMBC. If I could travel back in time, I would take the moment to get to know every single one of them. Take a break from studying every once in a while and have some fun. Wiz Khalifa said it best “WORK HARD, PLAY HARD!”

Michael is graduating with a B.S. in Environmental Science, and a minor in Political Science. He is the Secretary of the Environmental Task Force, and a Geography and Environmental Systems tutor for the LRC. Thank you, Michael!

Photo of Michael and Jasmine Wands, creating a collage from hand drawn visions for a sustainable future at Harvest Fest.