AS StoriesDream BIG!
Jeanne BenVauMajor: Environmental Science
Professional Science Masters
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Class: Graduate Student
"Education is the most important component about the environmental movement. If people aren't aware or knowledgeable about the issues, they won't care or become involved."
Jeanne DID care and wanted to BE involved so she took a big leap and ran for the elected office of AS Commissioner of Environmental Affairs. Even though she lost the election, she found an equally appealing home with the Environmental Action and Resource Library (E-ARC) as their Resource Manager. The E-ARC library houses books, periodicals, videos, and films all about environmental stewardship and sustainability. Jeanne is currently planning a "10 films in 10 weeks" series featuring some of the hot topics in sustainability. She is also developing an on-line inventory of all books available so students and faculty can search for resources from the convenience of their laptops - although visits to E-ARC in BMU 301 are always welcome!
"My job is to empower E-ARC interns to do what they love and help them get the message out so more students will be engaged in our sustainability efforts. The reason I came to Chico was because of the sustainability movement. I feel so connected here because people are enthusiastic, involved, and supportive. This campus has so many different opportunities that the sustainability movement has grown exponentially."
Jeanne sees her job as a way to contribute to her career development because she hopes to be involved with project management in the sciences. She has a keen interest in water quality and water supply. Jeanne's big dream: "to fix the southern California water problem." The leadership skills and the connections she's making here could well make that happen!
In Jeanne's words:
My advice to any student - take a chance at meeting new people. It's so much more fun and meaningful to be connected to a grassroots movement that is making such a difference.