Student Spotlight, Part 3: Sustainability Leadership Award winners reflect on their college careers
this Sustainability Undergraduate Program Proud to celebrate the hard work and outstanding dedication of our recent graduates.
Graduates Taejeong Woo and Nour Aljowaily have been selected for the Stuart Garffin Award for Leadership and Engagement.Stewart Garffin Leadership and Engagement Award Memorial Professor Stuart Garffin, where he taught seminars on sustainable development from 2009 to 2019. Awards are based on sustainable leadership and service demonstrated on and off campus. The award recognizes the leadership, influence, engagement and dedication that have characterized Professor Garffin’s contributions to the Columbia community.
In this spotlight, Taejeong and Nour tell us about their post-graduation plans, their understanding of sustainability, and their advice to current students
Q&A with Tae Jung Woo
What are your plans after graduation from this program?
I plan to continue my PhD in sustainable development.
How has the program shaped your understanding of sustainability?
One of the key insights about sustainability highlighted by the program is that sustainability is something everyone aspires to achieve. Every businessman wants their business to be sustainable, and every government wants their policies and regulations to be sustainable. But how can we make this goal a reality? As a member of Columbia University’s Sustainability Program, I have come to understand that the key to achieving sustainability lies in education. Education is the only way we can achieve sustainable development.
Besides the classroom, what extracurricular activities did you participate in?
Every year, I travel to one of the driest and poorest regions in East Africa, a notoriously dangerous conflict zone. I was there to create sustainable peace in the region. The people there suffer not only from historically complex problems between different groups, but also from the effects of climate change, causing resource scarcity and exacerbating other conflicts. As a result of these conflicts, children’s education is often interrupted, and the safety of many elderly people, women and children is at high risk. So every year I spend the entire three-month summer preparing for education sessions, teaching the next generation about peace, fundraising, recruiting, and connecting with people in the area. Every time, people ask me, “Why would you risk your life and your own happiness to go there?” I answer with certainty, “I choose to be their other hand where they need me. I choose’ Sacrifice ‘your own safety and well-being.” The people of the region have come together in solidarity with me in launching peacebuilding efforts. A student told me he would start a camp like mine to promote peace where wars happen, and he promised to be a good example to his friends and community. That’s why I’m always more excited than worried when I go to the area, as the knowledge and experience I gain from the Columbia community positively impacts these places. One day, after finishing my studies, I aspire to dedicate myself to working in conflict zones where I can build sustainable peace, even if it means living without clean water, a comfortable house, or honor.
Nur Arjovali Q&A
What advice do you have for students looking to complete a sustainability project?
Take the time to study each course to learn the most from it, explore every aspect of the content, and network with professors and classmates to collaborate in and out of the classroom.
What are your plans after graduation from this program?
I will be working full time and am currently deciding whether to offer it.
What drew you to the Sustainability major or specialization?
I grew up fascinated by the UN system, of which the Sustainable Development Goals are a big part, and I’m also passionate about environmental protection and social justice, so studying these topics further seemed like a natural next step.
What is your favorite course in the Sustainability Program? Why?
It’s hard to pick just one, but “Climate Change and the Law” is one of the best. Understanding the international and U.S. legal implications of climate change mitigation and adaptation is fascinating, and doing so in a law school program is even more challenging and informative.
What was your greatest achievement while at Columbia University?
build a strong team Sustainable Development Goals Center Organize events to change the general discussion happening on campus.
Besides the classroom, what extracurricular activities did you participate in?
While at Columbia, I served as SDG Hub Chair, Double Baccalaureate Program Ambassador, Community Service and Sustainability Representative for Liberal Studies Student Union, Crauderueff Solar Intern, Rio City Council Intern, Summer Business Analyst for McKinsey, and COP27 Member of the Student Advisory Committee.
For information about the program and upcoming events, visit the Undergraduate Program in Sustainability website.
