Southeast Missouri State University student publication

Environmental Science Association enters their second year

Thursday, February 8, 2018
Photo by Josh Dodge

In their second year as an organization at Southeast, the Environmental Science Association (ESA) is a place for students of all majors to discuss similar interests about bringing environmental awareness to campus and the community.

Phasing out the Sustainable Students Organization, founders of ESA Anahi Gambla, president and Melanie Grasso public relations chair, will blend both organizations together with ESA meetings every other week. ESA hosted a professional development day last year, promoting Earthquake safety and inviting professionals who work in the environmental sector to discuss their time in the field. Professionals talked about career advancement, jobs and career tips.

“A lot of students came to that one,” Gambla said. “A lot of people did change their majors after that event. They really liked what they heard.”

John Kraemer, an advisor for environmental science majors saw the need for a new organization that served environmental students. ESA utilizes the student-student aspect of their organization. Being more personal and open, students are able to ask questions and share ideas.

Grasso, a senior environmental science major, said since being older, she hopes to assist younger students with “internship ideas and other career ideas so that they can get a better idea of what they want to do earlier on.”

Providing educational opportunities for students, ESA hopes to help prepare classmates for the future, Grasso said.

Raymond West, a senior environmental science major, is vice president of ESA.

“I would definitely want it to get bigger. It could be like a networking tool for environmental students,” West said. “I just want it to help environmental students.”

The organization helps members connect and share ways to help the environment. In bringing people together, ESA uses the time to discuss classes and volunteer opportunities.

“In our field, and our area, there’s not a lot of information that’s given to you,” West said.

ESA members try to promote drinking from reusable water bottles and shopping at thrift stores to help be more environmentally conscious.

Grasso said, “with reduce, reuse, recycle, a lot of people forget about the reuse part of it.”

ESA will celebrate Earth Day on April 22 by hosting Earth Week from April 16 to 23.

A speaker on climate change will begin the week, and ESA will man booths around campus throughout the remainder of Earth Week. Introducing “eco-palooza,” the ESA will bring a festival like event to campus with information, music and giveaways.

ESA will meet from 5 to 6 p.m. Feb 21 at Rhodes Hall, Room 126.

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