United Nations of Ecological Avengers
the superpowers of my classmates
Happy Earth Day Earthlings!
May we evolve to celebrating every day as earth day…
After the blessing of wandering the world and doing what little I could for Pachamama/Mother Earth, as an artivist and water walker, I found myself applying for grad school in environmental science this time last year. As much as I had hoped my skills and enthusiasm would enable me to be employed in making an ecological difference, after a few years of trying for jobs, I was not finding that to be the case.
It is with great delight that I discover my cohort hails from the far nooks and crannies of our glorious globe. It has done my heart and my resolve much goodness to be surrounded by people who are willing to dedicate their futures to conservation, environmental management, city planning, social sciences, law and policy, and any other way we can…
…make a living while making life worth living.
I can’t speak for any of them (which is why this blog post will give them a chance to speak for themselves) but I can say that, for me, comedy came out of finding very little of our modern reality truly funny and needing to cultivate that skill of using humour to share and wake up. But I’m not a natural comedian and it’s taking a long time, and a long time is not what we have. So while I continue to cultivate my stand up comedy abilities and material, I’m so grateful to be learning what’s what in the realms of global warming (or weirding)…
And it occurred to me that we would all benefit from hearing from my classmates on why they’re in this program and what they aim to address in their homelands or elsewhere. In so doing, I’m learning their super powers.
I’m intrigued with the idea of superpowers not only from learning and teaching yoga with its siddhis, but also because I grew up with a taste for comics and manga. As a child I sat in the aisle of the local bookstore and read the comics I couldn’t afford to buy. I had classmates who would later become professional comic book artists and illustrators, and one of the few shows I watched religiously when we finally got a little black and white TV was Wonder Woman. Another was The Bionic Woman.
Yes, we all know the Earth will survive without us, but that nihilistic view is the dark side of responses to anthropogenically-caused climate impacts. I’m more interested in how we’re waking up to how we can be better humans and love the planet that is our only world. Given the immensity and intensity of the situation we face (eco-grief is a thing y’all), I reckon we need a dose of super-powers to face not only the clean-up and care of the lands, waters, animals, and plants that we’ve damaged, but also the humans that still obstruct their health and beauty.
Without further delay, here are my amazing comrades:
Our first responder,
Alston Zhang,
hails from Northern China where I learned that winters can be -20 degrees, so it’s no wonder he loved Alberta, Canada. And I am in love with his Shina Ibu pupster - this fox-like critter is my current canine craze. He and I met in group work on an objectives hierarchy for Environmental Problem Solving class.
What’s your homeland and have you lived in other lands as well?
My hometown is China, and I also spent four years in Alberta, Canada.
Please share at least one feature that you love about the land and people that made you.
For China, I think it's probably the variety of cuisines that are my favorite. For Alberta, I think it's the close contact with nature that I love!
What is your native language? What other languages do you know?
Mandarin and English.
What degree program are you in and what led you to this field of study?
I am currently majoring in MASTER OF ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT, and the reason that drove me to choose this program was that I wanted to be more involved with nature and protect the places we live in.
Why did you choose UQ?
Since there is no proper envman's related postgraduate program in Canada so I chose UQ.
Will you write a thesis and, if so, do you know what area yet?
Probably not at the moment, but if I were to write about it I'd like to do some research in the direction of the East Asian EV market
What dream do you have for applying the skills you learn here?
My dream is to go back to Alberta and become a conservation officer, I think it's a very suitable and interesting program for me, and because of the specificity of this program, more study is necessary.
What super power do you have, or do you wish you had?
At the moment probably I don't have any SUPERPOWER. but if it's possible I would like to gain the ability to communicate with animals!
What advice can you offer to others who care, but don’t know where or how to begin?
Anything further you’d like to share or questions you wish I’d asked but didn’t?
I guess my advice would be to always learn something whether the field is hot at the moment or not, because society as a whole is in a state of flux and there are times when every field is in strong demand.
I met
Brenda George
last term but we had more chance to connect this term when she, Alston, and Suzie and I collaborated. I love hearing what she says about the music of her homeland…
What’s your homeland and have you lived in other lands as well?
I was born and grew up in Durban, South Africa. I have lived in briefly in London and Florida (USA), and spent years in Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane in Australia.
Please share at least one feature that you love about the land and people that made you.
South Africa instilled a love of nature and an appreciation for the wildlife. When monkeys, bats and birds pay friendly visits to share your garden fruit, the sense that we are only a part of a much bigger environmental picture is fostered. The rhythms of the drumming and singing of the local Zulu people never leaves you, even when you leave.
What is your native language? What other languages do you know?
My native language is english and afrikaans (similar to dutch). I know a little french (with the good intention of improving) and a little spanish.
What degree program are you in and what led you to this field of study?
I am currently enrolled in a Master of Conservation Biology degree. I chose this course of study to update my skills after a long absence from study or work in this area.
Why did you choose UQ?
I completed an honours year in my science degree at UQ, and went on to work there as a research assistant as well, so I felt comfortable attending the uni. UQ also offered a postgraduate course based program that was of interest.
Will you write a thesis and, if so, do you know what area yet?
The idea of writing a thesis is appealing, however at this point it would be great to find employment within the conservation field.
What dream do you have for applying the skills you learn here?
I would love to use the skills I am learning to rehabilitate forest areas that have been previously cleared for agriculture and are no longer in use. Finding ways to incorporate the native environment into our modern way of life would be amazing – especially if it involved spending time in the field and travel for work.
What super power do you have, or do you wish you had?
If I were to choose a superpower, it would be to talk to animals. Conservationists do their best to represent the interests of animals – wouldn’t it be good to ask them?
What advice can you offer to others who care, but don’t know where or how to begin?
For everyday life little things count, from planting native trees in your yard or on your balcony,to choosing wildlife friendly products at the supermarket. Volunteering with local area groups is a great way to get involved. To pursue a career, I would suggest looking at the type of jobs that are of interest and finding out what skills you need to acquire to do them.
Anything further you’d like to share or questions you wish I’d asked but didn’t?
Although it is a little daunting pursuing a new career later in life, it is also invigorating. It is important not to be put off by perceived barriers.
Next up is
Elvis,
who I first met in our Biogeography & Geomorphology lab as we were examining pollen through a microscope, and he showed me how to make one big PDF of all the smaller PDFs of our lectures to use for open-book exams in an age when there are no longer books!
What is your homeland, and have you lived in other countries as well?
I was born in Peru, but my relationship with my birthplace has been complicated. While I did not choose to be born there, it has undeniably shaped me. Besides Peru, I had the chance to visit Haiti, a beautiful Caribbean nation with significant challenges.
Please share at least one aspect that you appreciate about the land and people that shaped you.
I value my family and the rich culinary traditions of Peru. Both have played essential roles in shaping my life and identity.
What is your native language, and what other languages do you know?
My native language is Spanish. Although I am not a total bilingual, I respect and admire the beauty of various languages. In Spanish, my name is still written as "Elvis", but the pronunciation has a subtle difference.
What degree program are you in, and what led you to this field of study?
I am studying Environmental Management. My undergraduate degree was in Forestry and Environmental Science, which led me to continue my education in a related field. I saw the need for a fresh perspective and a more comprehensive understanding of current environmental issues.
Why did you choose UQ?
I aimed to pursue my studies with a scholarship. My government provided me with an opportunity through the University of Queensland (UQ), which is well-regarded and ranked among the top 100 universities globally.
Will you write a thesis, and, if so, do you know the topic?
At this point, I'm still contemplating potential topics. I want to focus on something innovative, but I am not entirely confident about my writing skills. I'll continue to explore ideas and consider my options.
What dream do you have for applying the skills you learn here?
While I may not have lofty dreams, I do hope to secure a fulfilling job that allows me to contribute positively to the world.
What superpower do you have or wish you had?
I do not possess any superpowers and do not feel the need to have any. Instead, I prioritize maintaining my health and well-being throughout my life.
What advice can you offer to others who care about the planet but don’t know where or how to begin?
I would suggest starting by taking care of oneself. By doing so, one can develop a greater capacity to care for the world around them and be a positive force for change.
Anything further you’d like to share or questions you wish I’d asked but didn’t?
I like this question and I’m going to answer it.
Do you think it is worthwhile to care about the planet when we have such short lives on a planet that will exist for billions of years?
Yes, I believe it is still important to care for the planet despite our relatively short lives. Each individual's actions can have lasting impacts on the environment, and by taking responsibility for our own choices, we can create a more sustainable and resilient planet for future generations.
Ayontika
and I met through Elvis in our Applied Research Methods class, when I offered her a homemade chocolate and she suggested I make them into a business and we commiserated over the steep systems learning curve in our first term. Isn’t the written version of her name in Bengali beautiful?
What’s your homeland and have you lived in other lands as well?
My homeland is India and I have not lived anywhere else until July 2023, when I came to Australia for continuing my education.
Please share at least one feature that you love about the land and people that made you.
Sorry, I can't share just one.. its not fair.. everything has its own charm in India, the people, the friends, the food, the climate, the nativeness of trees, animals, birds, the soothing riversides, the serenity of the temples, the buzzing of the bees during spring, the spring showers.. I can keep going on, but for the sake of this question, I would say that I am very lucky and thankful to have been brought into this world by 2 most amazing people who have always put me and my sister before themselves. Thank you maa and api.
What is your native language? What other languages do you know? If you’re willing, please write your name in your native language so we can see the beauty of all the different languages.
My native language is English, Hindi and Bengali (these were the ones that I grew up with). But I can also speak other languages like Assamese, Sylheti, Odia, German and Indian Sign Language. But I would write my name in Bengali because oherwise its just too much.
So,
অয়ন্তিকা
is the Bengali version of my name.
What degree program are you in and what led you to this field of study?
I am currently enrolled in Master of Environmental Management and I got into this program because I wanted to get a holistic understanding of how natural systems and humans are linked and how being in one with nature can bring lasting stability to communities.
Why did you choose UQ? Will you write a thesis and, if so, do you know what area yet?
I chose UQ because I really liked the courses and the engagement techniques the different student liaison officers and heads used to provide me with so much information on what I was to expect, even before I got to Australia.
I am not planning to do a thesis because it feels too big for 1 semester but I might do a research project, but I haven't given much thought to it yet.
What dream do you have for applying the skills you learn here?
That humans, plants, birds, fishes, reptiles and other animals live in harmony and balance in spaces which don't overpower each other. Too idealistic, I know🥲
What super power do you have, or do you wish you had?
I wish I could become invisible at will so that I could sneak into the Opera house for Vivaldi and Harry potter concertos. Otherwise its too much for me right now for the front row seats😢
Also I could sneak into any library and be there for ages inspite of anybody going 🗣️"the library will close after 10 mins"
What advice can you offer to others who care, but don’t know where or how to begin?
Just begin, nobody knows, its never the "right" time. Make it the right time by beginning when you want to.
Finni
and I first met online when we volunteered (over the summer break) to do research in circular economy. This term we are in 3 out of 4 classes together so we’ve since had a few in-person chats, laughs, and hugs.
What’s your homeland and have you lived in other lands as well?
Indonesia, never before. This is my first time living abroad
Please share at least one feature that you love about the land and people that made you.
We have 17,000 islands! Maybe that's one of the reasons why we have hundreds of local languages. But every Indonesian can speak Bahasa Indonesia, our united language is Bahasa Indonesia.
What is your native language? What other languages do you know? If you’re willing, please write your name in your native language so we can see the beauty of all the different languages.
My mother tongue is Javanese and also Indonesian of course. My father comes from another island, namely Sumatra, one of the languages there is Batak language, I don't know much, but I know a little bit haha.
this how to write my name in Javanese language we called in Aksara Jawa
What degree program are you in and what led you to this field of study?
I feel that the Master of Environmental Management program is very relevant to my bachelor background (cartography and remote sensing). I experienced working in a university and wecollaborate with local governments, especially in Papua. I have been directly involved with complex environmental problems, including natural, cultural and indigenous challenges in the area. My choice to take the Environmental Management program shows my commitment to understanding and overcoming complex environmental challenges in Papua and perhaps in other regions. With the knowledge and skills I gain from this program, I will be able to integrate scientific and practical approaches to managing natural resources by considering the unique cultural and social factors.
Why did you choose UQ?
I chose UQ because of its good reputation in environmental science in Australia, which is well known for its concern for environmental issues, especially conservation. Its location in Brisbane also provides access to a variety of diverse natural environments. Another reason is, my favorite supervisor during my undergraduate studies was a UQ graduate who was supervised by Stuart Phinn, a prominent lecturer at UQ. The focus of my studies during my undergraduate degree was on mangroves, and I often read journals written by Stuart Phinn. Amazingly in my first semester, I had the opportunity to be taught directly by him, what an amazing experience!
Will you write a thesis and, if so, do you know what area yet?
Yes, although I know it might be tiring, but I'm very excited! It seems like the topics are related to conservation, the role of indigenous peoples, and carbon. I'm still trying to find the connection between the three.
What dream do you have for applying the skills you learn here?
I want to contribute to conservation efforts in Indonesia. I am very sad to see how many animals have become victims of development in Indonesia. Even though we have rich biodiversity, I am starting to worry about its loss.
What super power do you have, or do you wish you had?
Temperature Control, so I can control the water temperature around coral reefs or other habitats
What advice can you offer to others who care, but don’t know where or how to begin?
This is very simple but you can start by turning off the tap when washing your hands or brushing your teeth, and saving water when showering.
Anything further you’d like to share or questions you wish I’d asked but didn’t?
I was thinking too deeply about this issue after taking one of the courses at UQ. Is it fair to choose which species should be prioritized for conservation action given limited funding? For example, if we choose to focus on the conservation of parrots rather than bats. Shouldn't all species have the same value in trying to preserve their lives?
Ava
and I met at a recent UQGEMS (Geography and Environmental Management Society) gathering about jobs in waste management. Who knew that would be a draw! However, we got to talking fashion and knitting, and the advantages of getting out into the working world sooner rather than later to learn on the job as well as in the classroom. She’s our first Aussie (which I forever see and hear as Ozzie)!
What’s your homeland and have you lived in other lands as well?
I’ve lived in Meanjin/Brisbane most of my life but recently had a short stint living in central Queensland. It was super beautiful there and I would definitely recommend visiting!!
Please share at least one feature that you love about the land and people that made you.
I think Brissie is such a good city - I really like that it’s not super busy but at the same time there are always lots of cool events going on - and a really good music scene! Also so many gorgeous mountains and walking tracks very close by!
What is your native language? What other languages do you know?
Only English but have been working on learning Dutch (but a very long way from being fluent…) - my parents live in the Netherlands.
What degree program are you in and what led you to this field of study?
Master’s of Environmental Science. I completed my undergraduate degree in chemistry and found working in the field a bit uninspiring. I am pretty passionate about sustainable fashion and the environment so I thought it would be nicely complement my enjoyment of pure science but also having a more practical and varied application.
Will you write a thesis and, if so, do you know what area yet?
Not sure yet but definitely want to do a winter/summer research project!
What dream do you have for applying the skills you learn here?
I want to do lots of scientific writing in a role that has a positive impact on the environment :)
What super power do you have, or do you wish you had?
I would love to have a photographic memory! I’m a bit like a goldfish…
What advice can you offer to others who care, but don’t know where or how to begin?
I wish I knew! It can sometimes be very overwhelming thinking about all of the looming problems, particularly environmental, and so I think it’s just important to do the best you can. I have recently started doing some volunteering and I think that is a really awesome way to give back to your community and environment.
Ane
and I met in our first Climate Change workshop and, again, I love the look of his language (see his name below). Such a marvel to look at words and have no idea where to begin. I also love what he says about the nature of his homeland - sounds like a place I’d love to explore.
What’s your homeland and have you lived in other lands as well?
My home country is Laos. I was born in Vientiane, which is the capital city of Laos. I spend most of my life in Vientiane until I moved to Australia for my education. Aside from this, I have been to Singapore, India, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei, Philippines, Malaysia and the US.
Please share at least one feature that you love about the land and people that made you.
I like the chilling vibe of my country. The formal name of my home country is Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), but we usually name it “Lao Please Don’t Rush” to suite with Laotian’s vibe.
What is your native language? What other languages do you know? If you’re willing, please write your name in your native language so we can see the beauty of all the different languages.
My mother tongue is Lao. I can also communicate in English and Thai, and a little bit of French (which I used to learn long time ago).
ອັງຄານຮັກ ແກ້ວມະນີວົງ
What degree program are you in and what led you to this field of study?
Master of Environmental Management. I was working in an area of climate change with an intergovernmental organization to support the government of Laos in the preparation of climate policy and mobilize climate finance. I decided to continue my education in this field because I want to know more about scientific perspective of the field, which I believe it will be useful for me to broaden as well as deepen my knowledge to pave a strong career path in this field.
Why did you choose UQ?
Aside from its excellent research that contribute to the scientific community, I was introduced to UQ by my form colleague, who used to be a UQ’s student. It is also correct to say that I choose Brisbane.
Will you write a thesis and, if so, do you know what area yet?
Not sure at the moment. Let me think about it carefully!
What dream do you have for applying the skills you learn here?
I wish to play my future role in international organizations working on climate change in different countries.
What super power do you have, or do you wish you had?
I wish I can teleport myself and my friends to any place in just a blink.
What advice can you offer to others who care, but don’t know where or how to begin?
There is no already perfect recipe. You have to find your own ways – start from things that you are good at and what you like.
Anything further you’d like to share or questions you wish I’d asked but didn’t?
Great work Melissa! Keep inspiring people!
Aw, thanks Ane! You too! :)
Next up, as well as being a classmate in some of my classes
Mwelwa Musosha
is also a tutor in others, having already taken those classes last year. He’s been a great example to me of how quickly we can learn these materials and support others in learning them too.
What’s your homeland and have you lived in other lands as well?
My name is Mwelwa Musosha and my homeland is Zambia. Apart from Zambia, the only other land I have lived in is Australia though I should say I have travelled a bit.
Please share at least one feature that you love about the land and people that made you.
Zambia is endowed with natural resources ranging from minerals to wildlife and what stands out about my country is its people, the jovial, ever friendly and piece loving Zambians.
The serene miombo woodlands especially in the north-western part of the country are a marvel.
A bonus on the list of things I love about Zambia is the mighty Victoria Fall. If you are yet to check it out, take a few minutes to look it up!
What is your native language? What other languages do you know? If you’re willing, please write your name in your native language so we can see the beauty of all the different languages.
My native language is Bemba. Zambia has 72 tribes, each with its own dialect or language. There are a lot of similarities in these languages to a point where they are grouped into 7 main languages which are Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, Lozi, Lunda, Kaonde, and Luvale.
My name is already in my local language: Mwelwa Musosha
Depending on the context, the name Mwelwa can mean a few things such as:
• This one I will keep. Given when a woman finally gives birth after multiple child loss
• A star; or handsome
In my case, I guess the second or third instances apply since my mom, already had other children before me
What degree program are you in and what led you to this field of study?
Master of Environmental Management. I choose the programme because it aligns with my undergraduate academic background as well as my professional path (environmental management consultancy). Though the programme could substantially add to my credentials and above all equip me with knowledge and skill sets need to enhance the sustainable management of out valuable natural resources
Why did you choose UQ?
Because UQ is a prestigious university that is highly ranked in the world and the Master of Environmental Management at UQ is ranked in the top 10 of Environmental Management programmes worldwide.
Additionally, a review of the course contents of the programme at UQ showed me that the courses were ideal for me to fill in the knowledge and skills gaps that I had. Specifically, the course that made me chose UQ is ‘Environmental Management in Mining’. This is because the course touches on mine closure rehabilitation, the area that Zambia really needs and falls in the space within which I work. Most of the Copper Mines in Zambia are nearly their expiration hence the sites will need to be rehabilitated and I thought arming myself with requisite knowledge is a good start.
Will you write a thesis and, if so, do you know what area yet?
I am currently doing research on the potential for ore-sand use in Queensland within the new development minerals.
The research aims at finding alternatives to the traditionally sourced sand which is causing considerable environmental damage while at the same time reducing mine waste through repurposing as sand.
At the end of it all, I write a 8,000 word report (mini thesis I guess).
What dream do you have for applying the skills you learn here?
Two-fold dream, number one conservation and management of natural resources within the country through development of Biodiversity Assessments, Monitoring and Management Plans
Secondly, I hope to contribute to the formulation of policy and framework for mine closure and rehabilitation works in Zambia.
What super power do you have, or do you wish you had?
I wish I had the supper power to convince people, especially politicians on the importance and need for natural resources management and rally them to action. If only we could do that, the world could be much better and we can avoid a lot of headaches.
What advice can you offer to others who care, but don’t know where or how to begin?
Just begin, change doesn’t have to be at a large scale. In fact, small and focussed steps make the biggest of ripples. Start by living like you mean what you say through lifestyle choices.
It is always a good idea to find like minded individuals and put efforts together!
Anything further you’d like to share or questions you wish I’d asked but didn’t?
I think we have covered the essntials!
Francesca
and I got to know one another a little better after an inspiring, though confronting, lecture by Environmental Lawyer Chris McGrath, which you can watch for yourself by clicking that link. After the class, when we both expressed struggle with eco-grief, he shared his own struggle with us, as well as this valuable resource for coping - Joanna Macy’s book Active Hope - How to face the mess we’re in with unexpected resilience and creative power.
What’s your homeland and have you lived in other lands as well?
I’m from Italy but I had the chance to live for a year in the USA and now I’m living in Australia.
Please share at least one feature that you love about the land and people that made you.
Italy is so full of history, in every nook of the country you can find a piece of it, maybe a palace from when kings and queens used to rule or even a piece of wall made by the Ancient Romans. But the thing I love most in the world is my family, it’s amazing how close I am with them even though right now I am across the globe.
What is your native language? What other languages do you know?
I speak Italian and now I also consider myself fluent in English.
What degree program are you in and what led you to this field of study?
I’m doing the Master in Environmental Management.
At the very beginning of my university journey I started studying Automation engineering but I felt something was very wrong with it. I got everything wrong and wasn’t able to go ahead with the studies. So, after a while I switched to Environmental and Land Planning Engineering and found my courses, my people, and my way in the world. It felt only natural to continue with Environmental Management.
Why did you choose UQ?
In 2023, UQ was listed as the top 20 school in the world for Environmental studies and the fact that was in Australia only made me want to go more. Australia is one of the only places on Earth that experiences a variety of different ecosystems. What better place to study the environment than a place that has almost all of them?
Will you write a thesis and, if so, do you know what area yet?
I’m not sure yet, I would like to, but the topic is still unclear to me.
What dream do you have for applying the skills you learn here?
Environment is still controlled mostly by the people who have no idea how it works and ask help to experts. I have the technical knowledge from my bachelor to understand the environment, UQ is filling my gaps on the management level of governance to understand how all the bureaucracy works. I hope my new skills from UQ will help the people in charge make better decisions.
What super power do you have, or do you wish you had?
I wish I could fly and also talk to animals, for sure!
What advice can you offer to others who care, but don’t know where or how to begin?
Start small and prioritize. The human race’s future is not solely on your shoulders.
Anything further you’d like to share or questions you wish I’d asked but didn’t?
Love the questions. I wanted to thank you for including me!
Even though the lectures and workshops might be a little depressing and make you feel like there is no future, every time I go to class I’m always so relieved to see so many people taking the same courses and having the same purpose to have a better world. The knowledge that I’m not doing it by myself helps me keep going on studying and working.
Suzie
and I also met in the project with Alston and Brenda - creating a Conservation Action Plan (CAP) for flying-foxes. We have a few of the same classes together and have since gotten to know one another better. I love what she says about super powers…
What’s your homeland and have you lived in other lands as well?
I was born and raised in Slovakia. I lived in the UK for nearly 15 years and I now call Australia home, which I would call my homeland. I don’t consider homeland where I was born or raised but a place that makes me feel like I belong.
Please share at least one feature that you love about the land and people that made you.
This is a bit tricky to answer for me! What made me and continues to make me is all the people I met in my lifetime and all the places I visited and continue to visit.
What is your native language? What other languages do you know?
My mother tongue is Slovakian. I also speak fluent Czech and English. I used to be fluent in German and spoke a bit of Spanish, but those skills are long gone… One need to practice and speak the language to master it.
What degree program are you in and what led you to this field of study?
I am in the Master of Environmental Management course at UQ. I am also nearing the completion of my graduate certificate in Arboriculture at The University of Melbourne. Trees, environment and our business led me into this course. I guess it offers a holistic approach and combines all I am interested in.
Why did you choose UQ?
I studied at UQ in the past in a completely different field. It’s my local alma mater and a great university, recognised nationally and internationally.
Will you write a thesis and, if so, do you know what area yet?
Not any time soon, but secretly I’d love to one day.
What dream do you have for applying the skills you learn here?
My dream ever since I was little was to travel the world. I am not sure in what capacity, but I’d like to combine my skills from this course with my passion to travel. I would like to connect skills I acquired through living life and my previous studies and perhaps look at environment through a social lens and vise versa.
What super power do you have, or do you wish you had?
We all have super powers, don’t we? My super power is resilience.
What advice can you offer to others who care, but don’t know where or how to begin?
Start with yourself! Make sure you get to know you in first instance and then follow your instincts. They will get you on the right path! There’s no universal formula as we are all very different.
I heard
Anna Vuorensyrjae’s
laugh before I met her. We were in the same Fundamentals of Geographic Information and Technology lab last term, and she has a vibrant and unabashed laugh which helped to break the screen monotony. We got to chatting after one class and discovered we’re both yoga teachers, with her specialty being aerial, so that helped assuage my imposter/outsider syndrome.
What’s your homeland, and have you lived in other lands as well?
I was born and raised on the south coast of Finland. I have lived in the USA and Scotland before, and now I have an official second home in Australia.
Please share at least one feature that you love about the land and people that made you.
It's called 'Sisu', a strength of will, determination, something that I can always lean into in times that requires courage.
What is your native language? What other languages do you know?
Finnish. I also speak a little Swedish and English of course.
What degree program are you in, and what led you to this field of study?
Master of Environmental Management. I have always been passionate about health. Being a registered nurse and a yoga instructor, I have always felt a sense of purpose when contributing to well-being. I felt the push to exceed this into communities and to our planet. We are only as healthy as our environment.
Why did you choose UQ?
It got the best ranking in Environmental studies in Australia and it just felt right when I did my research.
Will you write a thesis and, if so, do you know what area yet?
I definitely will. But the area is still finding itself.
What dream do you have for applying the skills you learn here?
I hope to contribute to a healthy, sustainable planet and inspire others to do the same. My dream is to be a part of crucial decision-making that protects the Earth and future generations.
What super power do you have?
Besides 'sisu', my superpower is that I am always open to growth.
What advice can you offer to others who care, but don’t know where or how to begin?
Begin with yourself. What kind of life do you want to create for yourself? When you want to be healthy, you most likely make decisions that are healthy for our planet as well. Maybe check out a planetary diet.
Pradnesh
was one of the very first people I met and connected with at UQ. We did a project together on spiders in our Conservation and Wildlife Biology class in our first term. Since I lived in India for two years, and even lived a couple months in his hometown!, I love the Indian sense of humour, traditions, spirituality, and family. As an example, his mum sent him a care package of her homemade laddu, and he shared them with me. The thought of her hands rolling each ball and packaging them to send…such a precious gift.
What’s your homeland and have you lived in other lands as well?
I am from Pune, a pleasant city nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats of India. Brissie, Australia is the first place I’ve been to overseas but have voyaged to various biomes in India ranging from icy glaciers, sub-tropical forests, deserts & the coasts.
Please share at least one feature that you love about the land and the people that made you.
Ah, there are heaps of traits I’ve got from my culture. The greatest boon I can mention is spirituality which keeps reminding me of my sole & soul’s purpose for being on this miraculous planet which itself spawned after a series of coincidences (which I don’t feel was a coincidence).
What is your native language? What other languages do you know? If you’re willing, please write your name in your native language so we can see the beauty of all the different languages.
My mother tongue is Marathi alongside I can speak Hindi & English fluently.
प्रज्ञेश
👆that's my name in Marathi
What degree program are you in and what led you to this field of study?
I am currently enrolled in a Master of Environmental Management witha prior engineering (mechatronics) background. While the world was caged due to covid pandemic, I got wings and started my journey in the world of hiking. It was the time when this techie nerd experienced a connection with mama nature. Eventually, I completed 50+ hikes in the Sahyadri Mountain range and the environment never failed to heal me. Considering the current environmental catastrophe, I felt it’s my turn to give back to nature and chose to shift my career goals.
Why did you choose UQ?
Considering the reputation of UQ and the associated researchers along with the program structure, it assured me that UQ will be the right place to empower myself for a new journey and to meet like-minded earthlings.
Will you write a thesis and, if so, do you know what area yet?
Absolutely, my thesis will potentially be related to land remediation & revegetation. Soil is a reserve of all the nutrients to support terrestrial life. If the soil is not suitable for flourishing vegetation, the whole ecosystem will collapse eventually.
What dream do you have for applying the skills you learn here?
I wish to mitigate the inimical impacts of earthlings on our beloved planetand only abode ‘Earth’.
What superpower do you have, or do you wish you had?
The greatest challenge I will encounter in my venture will undoubtedly be changing the mindsets of humans towards the environment. Hence, if I could ever ask for a superpower, it would be manipulating humans (only to make them more environmentally conscious).
What advice can you offer to others who care, but don’t know where or how to begin?
You don’t need to do any super crazy things like changing your career pathway but those little things matter a lot. Be aware of your carbon footprint while doing each of your daily activities, start carrying yourreusable coffee mug instead of buying coffee served in single-use containers. Additionally, be a responsible consumer and start living in a minimalistic way (and here’s a catch, spirituality is the key!).
Anything further you’d like to share or questions you wish I’d asked but didn’t?
One thing I’ve learned from my degree is that I won’t be managing the environment but the activities of moron fellas residing in it. The planet has already witnessed 5 mass extinctions but still sustained and so it will even after the 6th. And the question is, are we really hurting this planet or designing our own death bed?
Pradnesh wanted to share this with y’all:
That concludes today’s brief touchdown tour of my classmates. There are so many more, including folks from Spain, Chile, Netherlands, Nauru, Thailand, France, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and others I don’t even know yet, so this is just a taste!
I don’t know about you, but I have learned so much and been truly inspired and reaffirmed in our shared pathway. We are in-deed all in this together and the more we can celebrate differences and co-create unity in diversity, the quicker we can overcome our selfishness, greed, and apathy, as Gus Speth terms it.
So it is with a full heart on Earth Day that I thank all the cultures and spiritual traditions that made these fine folks from so many beautiful lands. And, of course, I thank each of them for making a moment in their hectic schedules to share with us.
As a footnote, I want to say that the links are all mine, so if any are less than ideal, the fault is mine alone. And as a further editorial note, I did not edit anyone’s responses. There are two reasons for this:
One is that I want you to experience, in reading this, how much work someone whose native language is not your own puts in to communicate. This is no small thing. (A super power I would choose is also one of Wonder Woman’s—to understand and speak all languages of all species of being. Wouldn’t that be remarkable?!)
Second, grammar and dominant language use is another form of colonization and it’s not often recognized as such. So instead of judging one another for how we speak or write or communicate, let’s look to build broader bridges of understanding and trust by being less critical and more celebratory.
Your (conscious and kind) comments are most welcome!
