During my summer at CUP, I worked to help prepare, run, and process the City Studies collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society. One of my favorite moments was when the students from Fannie Lou High school in the Bronx started freestyle rapping about nature so we decided to film a music video in the hallways of the school. I found working on this youth education program especially rewarding because I got to help students explore issues of environmental justice in their own communities and watch them create really cool art!

This summer at CUP I assisted in a variety of projects, ranging from collaborations with advocacy organizations to working with students in the city to produce a creative publication on issues facing their communities. I really valued being able to learn about the distinct steps that go into a CUP project, as well as design and advocacy projects in general. Whether I was translating key text into Spanish or proofing the design and layout of a poster, this helped me understand the importance of the work and improved my communication, design, and organizational skills! One of my favorite parts about working at CUP was attending testing sessions, where I was able to learn from community organizers, city residents, and advocates to see how content for CUP’s publications is reviewed and created to serve the people most directly impacted by the injustice. My goal is to apply this knowledge and continue learning more as I continue my studies and transition into my career!