I can't properly articulate my job description as a UMBC France-Merrick Foundation intern. The position certainly has sustainability and environmental consciousness at its core, but the responsibilities and privileges that come with it are so varied that its difficult to place them into boxes. I've been able to spearhead initiatives that are transforming the way UMBC students commute. I've been part of diverse teams that are evolving the way UMBC handles its waste. I've seen students transform ground-breaking ideas into projects that have earned funding and are going to become realities in the upcoming semester. The common denominator of the experience thus far, however, has been working with a community.

Working with the Sustainability Matters initiative has allowed me to become part of a community that seeks to make UMBC beautiful. We've been able to divert more waste from landfills to compost. We've created a new community for cyclists at UMBC by introducing new public facilities and more opportunities for students to get access to bikes through the Retriever Fleet. The Green Office Program has established a fantastic way for entire departments on campus to commit to energy conservation. We've organized festivals, classes and student groups committed to sustainability at UMBC. Fall 2014 was certainly a successful semester. 

I'm grateful to be a part of such an amazing program. I'm grateful to be able to lead and create. I'm grateful to be able to work with an amazing student body to create and crush innovative goals. 2015 is going to introduce new opportunities for commuters to have better parking access. The already upgraded cycling program is going to grow and evolve to suit the needs of more students. Healthier food options are going to continue to be introduced on campus and waste reduction programs are going to continue to grow until we've all but eliminated our landfill contributions. Simply put: we won't stop crushing it because we had a good year. 

Halfway through my inaugural year interning I'm reminded of a quote by one of my favorite authors, Albert Camus:

I'd like to invite you to make UMBC a privileged place. Join the Garden to grow and share organic, healthy produce right here on campus. Work with the Eco-Ambassadors to spread the word about sustainability and provide outreach for student orgs large and small. Sign up for projects led by Students for Environmental Awareness to get outside and keep our environment clean. Join the growing Sustainability community in 2015 if you haven't already, and become a part of a beautiful community. 

Happy New Year to you and other people around you,

DeVaughn Jerome Jones, France Merrick Sustainability Intern