Open Blog 2- Lobbying Reflection

Today I went to the State House to lobby with the senators. This was not only my first time in the South Carolina State House, but also lobbying in general. It was definitely a memorable experience. I've had some experience with senators and members of the House of Representatives back in Maryland because I live in a small town where everyone knows one another. My mom has made a point to establish personal relationships with a handful of the politicians, so I know a few of them myself. But never have I been in the Annapolis State House lobbying with them in such a professional manner. At first I was overwhelmed with how beautiful the building itself was and how many different groups were there. We went up as a group to listen in on the senators discussing budgets and after about ten minutes I decided to fill out a card in attempt to talk to a senator about the Food in Schools Bill. I chose to try to speak to Senator Katrina Shealy for two reasons; One, she was the only female senator in South Carolina, which I admire, and two, she would be the easiest to identify because she is the only woman. I never in a million years thought that I would even get the chance to speak to her but within twenty minutes of me submitted my request she was in front of my face and we were shaking hands. I had so much that I wanted to say to her and I felt so nervous when the time actually came that I blanked on most of it. We spoke of the benefits, both for health and the local economy, and whether she was for or against the bill. She said that earlier she was on the fence but at that point she was going to sign for the bill. I know that I wasn't the determining factor, but it felt great to know that she was on board and I was one of the people trying to convince her to sign the bill. Jenni Asman, the Program Manager for the Conservation Voters of SC, came up to me after and said that Senator Shealy told her I did a great job. I'm happy that my first experience went extremely well. This is definitely the type of scene I want to be more involved in and I feel much better and eager to get out there and lobby again!

Open Blog 1- My Life and Sustainability

Before taking this class I had already been practicing environmentally friendly ways of life. I am a vegetarian who grows gardens, supports local agriculture, rescues animals, goes to protests, recycles and tries to educate others on the importance of a green way of living. My family has always given back to the environment so it was just how I was raised. This class has only furthered my interested in sustainability. It has opened my eyes to more ways to get involved in the community and how to take action even at the state level politically. I think requiring us to join Sustainable Carolina really showed me that even a little bit of teamwork focused on a green community goes a long way. I've learned so much about our justice system, agriculture, green ecology and many other environmental issues that I am able to relay that information to others and feel like I'm making an impact on someone else's life. I always feel satisfaction, and success in a way, when I go home and tell one of my friends about something I learned in class and weeks later they tell me that they've changed a habit of theirs to become greener because of what I've said. I know that majority of students taking this class have already a green mindset for the most part but this class truly educates you on the deeper meanings and effects of a non-green lifestyle. If anything I wish I took this class my first semester here so I could have been involved sooner. I think everyone at USC should get involved in environmental living and this class is a great, fun way to do so!