Voice of Idaho: Following a Calling
Coursework Inspires Me to Pursue Career in Climate Change
My coursework in the Environmental Science Program sparked my passion for climate change science and planning by introducing me to the need for climate action and the severity of climate change impacts.
After taking my first climate change-related course as part of my degree path, I was inspired to work toward an academic certificate in climate change. I have always cared about climate change, but my classes helped me to understand why it is happening and its implications for the future. Pursuing the climate change certificate introduced me to some of my favorite University of Idaho courses and led me to pursue a future career in climate change action planning.
It has always been important to me to pursue a career that will provide meaningful service to my community and change the systems of society for the better. I believe that my career in climate change action planning will enable me to achieve that goal.
It is an invaluable experience to help my peers get involved and create change. Ruby Fischer
One of the greatest opportunities I had at U of I was being able to apply my passion for climate change and community impact by working at the Sustainability Center. I organized and led the Interfaith Climate Discussion, an event where people from all over the Palouse came together to discuss climate change in the framework of faith. I also organized the Climate Action Simulation Game event, which got students, faculty and staff together to simulate United Nations negotiations on climate action to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
This year at the center, I managed the Sustainability Leadership Program. It has given me the opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds and academic interests who are all passionate about sustainability and making an impact, just like me. It has been an invaluable experience to help my peers get involved and create change. What better opportunity is there than to make positive and lasting change and help others do the same? Working at the Sustainability Center has helped me do that.
As I approach graduation, I think back on my time at U of I with gratitude and joy. I reflect on the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “think ye at all times of rendering some service to every member of the human race,” and hope that my Vandal experience helped me to come closer to realizing how to achieve this call in life.
Article by Ruby Fischer ’21.
Published in the Spring 2021 issue of Here We Have Idaho.