International Business and Economics Major and German and Mandarin Chinese Minor Jack Terrell was recently highlighted on the Green Spotlight Sustain Appalachian Blog.
Until last January I didn't really know what sustainability actually was. When I heard the term "sustainability" I would immediately think of recycling, solar panels, and the wind turbine. All of that changed when I took an interview for the 2015 Appalachian Energy Summit Student Coordinator position. During the interview I heard about a collaborative effort that existed between all of the UNC System universities to increase energy efficiency and the use of renewables. I learned of a goal of $2 billion in energy savings by 2025 among the UNC System schools. I took the job and began an enormous learning curve that I have still have not surpassed. There were so many new terms to learn like PV and social justice. To me the all‐encompassing nature of the term sustainability means supporting many processes, groups, and initiatives that work symbiotically towards the common goal of improving our environment, population, and economy.
I never thought that I could find a place in sustainability given my background as student in the Walker College of Business. However, I learned that business is can essential tool to improving the world we live in. I discovered that I could utilize my ability to effectively manage a team by improving the offerings the Appalachian Energy Summit presents to students through creating career opportunities for student attendees and ensuring that students had the chance to make their make known their experiences, research, and leadership in the emerging energy economy.
My position with the Appalachian Energy Summit has exposed me to many incredible opportunities including everything from job prospects with leading companies in the solar industry to improving and implementing zero waste policies on campus.
There was, and still is, so much to learn about sustainability, I love how sustainability can be applied to every facet of life and every discipline as well. I do not believe that I will ever stop learning how the best practices of sustainability can be applied to the world around me but I am excited to continue to learn and expand my mindset. Finding my place in sustainability has invigorated and inspired me to improve the world we live in and to continue to work to encourage others to do the same.
Terrell featured on Sustain Appalachian Green Spotlight Blog
Terrell featured on Sustain Appalachian Green Spotlight Blog