How my interdisciplinary academic experience contributed to my involvement in an RSO

I first joined Students for Environmental Concerns (SECS) in the first semester of my freshman year, simply because the members seemed nice when I encountered their clothing swap by chance. I was hesitant in my involvement, however; I wanted to find a place where I belonged, but as a sociology and social work student, I worried that I wouldn’t fit in with the other members who knew more about environmentalism than I did. 

I was pleasantly surprised when I realized how multifaceted environmentalism could be. People of all majors worked together, sharing their talents by painting protest signs, writing for our magazine, coding visualizations of fossil fuel investments, and researching environmental economics. 

I have served as the community chair of SECS for the past two years, using the community-building skills that I have developed in my social work studies to foster an environment of trust and determination among our members. Examining global change in my sociology classes has equipped me with strategies to build a successful social movement. My knowledge is deepened as I continuously learn from my peers in SECS through our shared commitment to a greener world.

My studies have allowed me to contribute to the diverse perspectives of the SECS community and have also prepared me to approach big social issues with innovation and passion. In this way, my interdisciplinary experience in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences has given me a place where I belong and a broader purpose in my time here on campus.