Like for many of us, my road to taking action on climate change was windy. I’ve studied physics, philosophy, and film. I’ve been a door – to – door fundraiser, and I made plans to become a veterinarian – only to decide that I didn’t like biology.
But through all that I can pin point exactly when the environment became a priority. It was in year 10, I had a teacher, a maths teacher to be specific named Tim (Hi Tim!). Tim, besides being a really fantastic maths teacher, was passionate about sustainability.
Homework assignments couldn’t be turned in unless they were on half used paper; projects included using parabolas to build solar ovens (mine failed to cook the egg); and ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ was the classroom mantra.
Tim lived and breathed sustainability, and he inspired me to do the same. I couldn’t help but be passionate about recycling because it was part of my daily school routine. Caring about recycling led me to care about energy use which led me to climate change which led me to this desk in the AYCC Melbourne office.
A teacher who insisted on half used paper led me here. A curriculum that supported his passion for sustainability led me here. Thanks Tim!
That’s why I’m so keen to get sustainability education reinstated in schools across Australia. I want other young people to have a moment that ignites their passion for a safe climate future. I want every student to have a Tim.
With the Rio Summit coming up in a few short weeks, this is the perfect opportunity to email Minister Burke and the Prime Minister to tell them that sustainability education is important to us. So, have you signed the petition yet?
Did you have a Tim?
Written by AYCC Online Campaigner, Lily
