Isabel Baron on Finding Inspiration in the Tucson Community

• What year are you/ what is you major?

I am a second-year student double majoring in Environmental Studies and Operations & Supply Chain Management with a minor in Studio Art!

• What organizations or groups are you involved in on campus?

I am work on campus with the Compost Cats, I am involved in Students for Sustainability, and I am a member of Delta Sigma Pi.

• How do your courses or internships shape your outlook on sustainability?

Studying Environmental Studies in Tucson has really enriched the content and quality of what I am learning. There are examples of all the issues we read about right in front of our faces, from food insecurity to drought to environmental justice. But in the same way, we are also surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert and I have become immersed in such a zealous and driven community of environmental leaders here. I could not imagine studying these issues anywhere else! My view on sustainability has also changed through my experiences. I am more passionate about sustainable living by the day, but the most important thing I have realized is that in order for modern environmental sustainability to truly be sustainable it needs to look different for everyone.

• What environmental job/club/volunteer opportunity has had the biggest impact on you and why?

Working for Compost Cats and within the Office of Sustainability has had such an incredible impact on me. I love the people that I work with, but I love what I get to do even more! Compost Cats has given me the opportunity to teach other people, of every age and background, about bringing sustainability into their daily lives. I also feel so empowered and encouraged to explore new projects and ideas that I think would benefit our community. This has been such a wonderful opportunity for me personally, professionally, and as an environmentalist.

• What do you like most about working at Compost Cats?

Above all, my favorite thing about Compost Cats is the connections I have made to the environmental community of Tucson. I have truly learned the importance of community building and community engagement. Every time I do an outreach event I meet at least one person with an inspiring story and a message that they want to share. These people describe their environmental experiences with such a contagious passion and fury and it’s assured me that I want to spend my life protecting the planet and creating connections!