Sarah is a high school student at Westover School in Connecticut. Her passion for environmental science began in middle school during a competition to design a sustainable city. Sarah is particularly interested in the issues of fast fashion, food waste, advocacy, and innovative environmental solutions. She hopes to deepen her understanding of the natural world and make a meaningful impact. Sarah plans to major in Environmental Science in college, continuing her commitment to sustainability.
What are five words that describe your PGC experience?
Empowering, Transformative, Eye-opening, Global, and Connection.
What was the most memorable aspect of PGC 2024 for you?
Participating in PGC has been an unforgettable experience, but the most memorable moment was when I met Ivanna, a fellow participant from Mexico. I had been wanting to connect myself with other participants but was nervous, and the challenge on Day 17 gave me the perfect opportunity. It was so inspiring for me to meet someone who shared similar passions and aspirations despite our different backgrounds and locations. Ivanna’s enthusiasm made me more excited; she was an incredible listener and also talked to me about where she comes from, what she cares about, and her personal life too. What I remember most, though, was both of our desires to learn and grow in terms of climate advocacy. She told me, “I don’t care about winning each challenge, I want to work hard on the challenges,” which was evident in the quality and time she put into her posts, like her produce pals! I didn’t realize that a single conversation with another like-minded student could make me feel more supported and inspired. I understand that the summit for finalists allows them to attend a meeting to learn and to grow, but also to make friendships and connections with those around them. I am especially excited for that aspect of meeting people who are truly passionate to make a difference in the environmental movement.
