When I was in high school, I was terrified of driving on the freeway and absolutely dreaded taking my driver’s test. The day I finally passed that test, I celebrated by driving the hour from Detroit to the Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor. I spent that afternoon sitting along the Huron River, eating fruit on a picnic blanket, and watching … Read More
Everyday we utilize tools and resources that are essential to our daily lives without offering them much thought. We drink water from our kitchen tap, run a bath, and wash our clothes without considering the origins or processes of the water that fuel our day-to-day necessities. However, while working at the University of Michigan (U-M) Farm Stand one day, our … Read More
The time to start thinking about what to pack for college is here! Whether you are a new student or returning, knowing the absolute essentials of what to bring can be a godsend. It can be easy to buy items “just in case” for the school year, trying to imagine something you will presumably need in every situation. However, I’ve … Read More
As the effects of climate change continue to increase in frequency, all organizations must undertake mitigation measures in order to sufficiently prepare for what lies ahead. The Environmental Protection and Permitting group within the U-M Environment, Health, & Safety (EHS) Department is responsible for managing U-M’s state-issued stormwater discharge permit and for helping to prepare our campus for future extreme … Read More
Sitting in a corner booth of the McDonald’s, I watched as two of my male classmates picked up my backpack, unzipped the side pockets, and threw 10 of my purple pads on the black and white-checkered floor. They laughed for so long and so loudly that the other customers stared, and I sat hugging my arms to my side and … Read More
I think many of us would agree that living in Ann Arbor has some major perks in terms of diverse green spaces and lively events. In celebration of ending the winter semester strong, I want to highlight a selection of natural areas and outdoor events/activities that I’m really looking forward to this spring and summer! Green Spaces in the Ann … Read More
It’s finally spring! After bearing through the brutality that is a Michigan winter, I think everyone deserves congratulations and a green, sunny day. The weather (although inconsistent) is starting to feel warm and refreshing, but final exam season might be bringing back feelings of bitter cold, so practicing self-care and resilience are more important than ever! To help you in … Read More
Wow. *long sigh* I, a student here at the University of Michigan, sure do wish that there was an opportunity to engage with other students who care about the environment. An event that transcends the borders of student organizations, professional fraternities, NGOs, and university departments, one that allows me to network with peers, build connections with other environmental organizations on … Read More
Did you know that Michigan is the second most agriculturally diverse state in the United States? I grew up in a very small, very rural town, which is full of cows, fields, and farms. I was also super involved in FFA, which is a leadership organization that promotes agricultural education. I especially loved learning about current issues in agriculture, such … Read More
In the first week of classes, I was talking to one of my friends about the bus system here at the University of Michigan. The conversation went something like this: “Man, the bus system has been pretty bad. I hope they get this fixed soon,” I said. “Right?? Taking the bus sucks. I can’t wait to get my own car,” … Read More
