My Generation: Marissa gets Greek
Where did you study abroad?
Ioannina, Greece
What do you think was the most exciting thing about this Ioannina, Greece?
The most exciting thing for me was probably the cultural differences between the people who lived in Ioannina and the people I’m used to in America.
Part of my school work there was to do interviews with the locals and interact with the interviewees and my Greek teachers on a daily basis which was a very different and exciting experience. The travelling I did in Greece was also very exciting. I was able to see so much history and learned a lot about the Greek culture. It was very cool.
Was there anything related to environmental awareness or sustainability worth sharing?
It was just interesting to see what kinds of things are most important to people in other cultures. At the time I was in Greece there was a lot of controversy regarding the countries financial situation which was a huge concern for many people living in Greece. Situations like this take precedent over many less pressing daily problems such as environmental awareness, which most people were not interested in whatsoever in Greece. I talked to one of my teachers about environmental awareness in Greece and he explained to me that people feel they have more important things to think about, like providing food for their families, especially in a time of a financial crisis in the country.
Is there one thing that you do in your daily life that can be attributed to sustainability?
I ride the bus often, recycle/compost, am aware of my energy consumption inside the home, and am pursuing sustainable building/design as my career.
Why do you think Sustainability or environmental awareness is so important to our generation?
I think that our generation is responsible for getting the ball rolling on environmental awareness because with the technology and knowledge available to us today we have no excuse to ignore the impacts we are making on the environment and we should try to do as much as we can to make a positive change for future generations.
What degree, have you received or are currently seeking?
I graduated from the University of Washington with a major in Community, Environment and Planning and focuses on Urban Planning and Environmental Studies. I want to work in sustainable building and design doing home interiors, hopefully starting my own company someday. My dream would be to have a show on HGTV.
If you could travel to one place in the world where would it be, and why?
Ireland, my family is Irish and I’ve always wanted to go.
If you could be one animal in the world what would it be?
I would be a loon because they can swim and fly.
My Generation: Vasilies and Athens
Where did you study abroad, live, or have lived?
Athens, Greece
Was there anything related to environmental awareness or sustainability worth sharing?
The Metro was great, underground subway, fast, reliable, cheap along with the above ground tram which was, informative and interactive. I took part in a research project that measured the UV rays, among other things during peak sun hours of the day, as an awareness to the public.
Is there one thing that you do in your daily life that can be attributed to sustainability?
I would ride my bike, take the public transportation, and go to the local food markets.
Why do you think Sustainability or environmental awareness is so important to our generation?
Sustainability is important for our generation because we need to work hard at restoring what our elders have successfully destroyed.
What degree, have you received or are currently seeking, or what field of work are you looking to jump into?
I am receiving a bachelors in arts with the University of Washington’s College of the Built Environments, under their urban planning department, titled “Community Environment Planning”.
If you could travel to one place in the world where would it be, and why?
I would travel to Ios, an Cyclades island in the Mediterranean, Greece. Why? I was born in Athens, but the real greece, lifestyle, climate, topography, food, etc. lies in IOS. There is a cliff overlooking the bay and the endless blue Mediterranean waters, a hammock, and a gentle breeze. here, I could die.
If you could be one animal in the world what would it be?
I would be the Great White Shark.
Grass Stain 