Reflection

Most of us, as Brookline High students, have lived in Massachusetts for many years, visiting the shores of Cape Cod during summer. We’ve flown kites over rocky cliff sides, made sandcastles with moats and flag posts, and road bikes in the salty breeze. We owe a debt towards the ocean for the memories we’ve made and will continue to make. Yet due to our careless human actions, sea levels are rising, habitats are being destroyed, plastic is overflowing our waters, and the oceans are becoming dangerously acidic. With our senior year beginning, Emily and I, as a part of our Environmental Action Club, dedicated ourselves to bettering our school, community, and local oceans. The EAC organized climate strikes in Boston and cleaned up D. Blakely Hoar Sanctuary and Carson Beach for trash and invasive species. We implemented composting bins and compostable utensils at our cafeteria; taught advisory lessons to younger students on composting, recycling, and food waste; and held an ocean awareness presentation with guest speaker David Abel on a day we centered on sustainability. Then by documenting it, we also hoped to make a difference widespread--fueling other young students, our future, with hope and conviction. Through this experience, we’ve realized how much power we all have. When organized and determined, our young voices can compel friends, teachers, and politicians alike to listen and act.