Author:
Green Steps
Short summary:
Meet Anja, a college student from Ohio who spent four weeks with us at Green Steps!
Do you have a Nickname?
Not really, my name is already quite short.
Explain to a stranger what do you do for Green Steps.
I am a short-term volunteer that is training to be a nature guide. Right now, I am learning how to guide others, especially children, on outdoor quests and nature walks. Soon I will help with a nature camp, and then after that I will make my very own nature quest!
What is your daily routine? What is something you like doing and your coworkers maybe don’t know about you?
I try to get up early, often with the goal of getting some movement in before work or school. I either spend my day studying, taking classes, or working. Afterwards, I like to go to the gym with my friend before dinner! In the winter, I do Nordic skiing on my school's club team. Despite initial difficulties, it has been incredibly rewarding and I thoroughly value my experiences with the team!
Use less than 250 words to tell a story about yourself: starting from “where are you from” to the choice of joining Green Steps.
I was born and raised in the US, more specifically the suburbs of Cleveland. I am currently in an undergraduate program studying Environmental Policy at the University of Vermont. Last summer I worked with an environmental non-profit in Vermont on a campaign to protect pollinators. I was able to learn a lot about advocating for and implementing environmental policies. After gaining that experience, I wanted to connect more with ecology, which is also a major part of my studies. I found Green Steps and choose to join because it aligns with my passion for the environment and builds on my foundational place-based education skills.
Mention a book you read as a teenager that still tells something about you, and that you would still suggest reading.
A Separate Peace by John Knowles is a beautiful coming-of-age novel that I read back in high school. The book resonated with me emotionally, and I felt that the theme of friendship was very relevant. The novel also serves as an insight into the impacts of war.
How do you expect you and Green Steps to have an impact in the next years? Close with a wish for the organization.
I hope that even though I am only here for a short time, I can help the organization with new ideas and perspectives! I look forward to making my own quest and helping out with the nature camp! I hope Green Steps is able to expand their work with schools, both locally and on a larger scale.
