Before SGC, I had the notion that in order to tackle the issue of climate change, we need to find one solution that will solve the problem. However, after SGC, I learned that rather than a single solution, multiple solutions that have already been developed and proven successful need to be used together to slow down the rate of climate change. Before SGC, I was aware of the issue of climate change and had many discussions about it during high school. However, after every discussion, it felt daunting and overwhelming as it seemed like we were running out of time to find a solution, let alone apply it. Through SGC, I realized this misunderstanding and found it interesting that there are many successful methods and success stories, like in Uruguay. As we learned through one of the discussion exercises, Uruguay was successful in decarbonizing its electricity system by utilizing the country's natural advantages - open land and steady winds. With this natural advantage, they were able to make wind power the main source of energy. Along with hydroelectric plants and solar energy use, Uruguay was able to bring the nation’s energy to around 98% renewable. Reading about this was quite inspiring for me since it is proof that we have the ability to be more sustainable. Thus, the challenge is not that we need to find a solution, but rather we need to agree upon who, what, where, and how the solution is implemented. Of all the solutions we learned in the last semester of SGC, the one that I found the most interesting was the discussion of different energy storage systems. These energy storage systems utilize basic physics concepts of the conservation of energy and converting energy, such as potential energy to kinetic energy to electricity. I found this very interesting, as using a principle physics concept (conversion between energy) in a creative application allows us to store renewable energy with great efficiency (80% with Gravity Energy Storage). I was also interested since I am also taking a physics course this semester. Seeing this connection helped me better understand the applications of what I am learning in my classes to the real world.
I also felt a connection with my major, Biochemistry. There are a lot of chemical interactions in the atmosphere that need to be in balance. But, as we emit chemicals and greenhouse gases, we are disturbing these balances that lead to other consequences, such as ozone depletion and the greenhouse effect. I also learned about the chemistry involved in sustainability and climate in one of SGC’s supporting classes, ENSP101 - Introduction to Environmental Science. In this course, I learned about how chemistry and synthesis were used in the Haber-Bosch process, where we were able to add nitrogen to fertilizer. While this is useful in agriculture, it led to the imbalance of nitrogen in the system, as well as nitrogen runoff leading to eutrophication in waterbodies. I found this interesting since in the chemistry courses I have taken so far, during my high school and first year of university, there was not much discussion about considering the possible consequences, even though it is something that should be greatly considered. Interestingly enough, the following week, I learned about green chemistry in my Organic Chemistry II Lab course. Seeing all of these connections through SGC, supporting courses (ENSP101), and my major courses made me interested in being involved in green synthetic chemistry in the future, which will have applications in many fields, both in industry and medicine. Thus, through SGC, I got a better understanding of what it takes to tackle the growing rate of climate changes as well as found interest in the various techniques.
SGC was also a very interactive and discussion-encouraged environment. It was interesting to see other perspectives on certain things as well as ways of thinking. During colloquiums, we would often discuss various solutions and sub-issues. These often helped me consider certain consequences that I hadn’t thought of. It also helped me broaden my perspective on the various aspects that should be considered when implementing solutions. Since everyone has different backgrounds and experiences, hearing about their experiences or views of the issue challenged me to open up my perspective as well. For example, I used to prioritize the issue of climate change in a scientific manner. However, I often didn’t think about the social aspects that needed to be considered, such as how to support those impacted by climate change or how priorities will vary for different regions depending on how much they are able to contribute. It made me realize that rather than everyone giving an equal effort, we need everyone to do the best they can to contribute (quality over quantity). Ever since, I always try to keep this in mind and be aware of the possible stress that it may inflict on regions where there may not be enough resources to support them. As a commuter student, I didn’t necessarily have the opportunity to live with fellow SGC Scholars. However, during class and group projects, I was still able to interact and learn from fellow SGC Scholars, which I greatly value.
In SGC, we worked on group discussions, projects, and went on field trip activities. Of course, while contributing to those, I also contributed to the larger Scholars community. This semester, I joined Lakeland Stars tutors. This was an experience which I greatly enjoyed because not only did I get the opportunity to work with elementary school students and help them, I also got to meet other Scholars students with whom we shared our experiences in Scholars. One of the most common things I heard was how everyone felt part of a community of Scholars. This semester, we were able to help many students, as there were many new students joining, while making each student get the special attention they needed to find joy through learning. Working together to help Lakeland Stars goal of helping elementary school students enjoy school and help minority students was really fulfilling, and I plan to continue in the future as well.
As I mentioned before, being part of Scholars has opened up perspectives, values, and interests. Seeing these kinds of connections between SGC and my major inspired me to be more educated about what can be done with biochemistry in sustainable applications. I also got to engage in my passion for helping others through Lakeland stars. Thus, I think that in terms of a professional career, I would really like to be involved in helping others, whether academically or scientifically, to find joy or interest in science and learning. Overall, the Scholars program was a valuable experience that will never be forgotten.