Reflection on Campus Presentation: Going Green

Tonight (9/23) I attended a key note speaker presentation which was the first of a three-part series about sustaing a just and healthy society. The speech was given by Claude Mertzenich. The topic for this lecture was specifically about new chemical reactions and processes for pollution prevention. Going "green" has become social movement in today's society. It's purpose is to influence the political process by lobbying, activism and education in order to protect the environment and the earth's natural resources and habitats. Prof. Mertzenich was very educated on this topic and his lecture was very interesting. I am not exceptionally interested in chemistry, so parts of the lecture were somewhat over my head. However, the overlaying topic did get me questioning the overall implications for future teachers. I believe it is a teacher's responsibility to educate their students not only in history, math, english, science, etc. But it is crucial for a teacher to get kids engaged and interested in the world around them. Going green is a big social movement in the modern world. I hope to be a teacher that is able to convey the importance of environmental conservation. The trick is getting kids intrigued and helping them to care about taking care of the world in which they live. It takes public awareness to make changes in the world. I believe passion is something that must be ignited at a young age. Teachers have a responsibility to educate students in more than academics, but also to instill in them the desire to make a difference. We must teach pollution prevention, rather than reaction to problems that we create. We must inspire kids to dream and to take pride in their world so that they carry the knowledge and confidence to step forward in the future as educated and informed human beings.