Co-op REFLECTION

Megan

Environmental Education Mentor Spring 2024

The internship program at Change is Simple makes up an integral part of the education team. We are always so grateful to have interns join us in the classroom with a shared love for working with kids and a passion for climate education. This spring of 2024, we were excited to welcome three Northeastern University student co-ops, Megan, Nina, and Katelyn. Hear from Megan in her reflection below, on both Change is Simple’s impact on her as well as her impact on the students.

When I first started my 6-month-long internship with Change is Simple, I didn't know what to expect. I thought we would be going into schools and giving lengthy presentations on the importance of recycling. What I did not realize was the impact the lessons we give would have on the students we teach, nor the enthusiasm the students have for our hands-on environmental lessons. By far, the most rewarding aspect of this job has been walking into a school and seeing the children's faces light up with excitement as they see our team arriving. 

As I have spent more time with this company, I have had the fortune of returning to the same classes and watching them grow alongside me as we both became more familiar with the content we teach. Whether we are teaching about ecosystems or waste reduction, we like to start all of our lessons by asking the children if they remember our names. It is my firm belief that if I can get a student to remember my name and face, then I can get that student to remember the information we are trying to convey. My absolute favorite part of this job has been being remembered by the students as they yell my name before I even get the chance to ask the question. 

As I near the end of my time at Change is Simple, the time for our very last visits has come all too soon. This past week, I conducted the last lesson for a kindergarten class in Revere, after having led each one of their lessons for this year. The final lesson we teach in kindergarten classes is called ‘Compost Critters’ and it teaches the importance of our soil, as well as how we can make new soil through composting. When leading this lesson, I like to ask each student to share their favorite fruit or vegetable in an attempt to engage all students and stress the importance of soil in ways that affect them directly. As we were going around the circle, one particular student responded with "an apple," and the entire class gasped. I looked to my lead educator for guidance when the teacher came forward and explained that this was the first time this student had spoken in front of a large group. I was overjoyed that this student had felt comfortable enough to share his favorite fruit with Change is Simple. For me, this is exactly what being a part of this company is all about – the opportunity to make lasting impacts on children that will one day make the world a better place. I have loved every minute of my time at Change is Simple, and I truly believe the magic they are doing here is going to make a positive difference in the world.