Daysia Charles
Revolutionary Power Fellow
Dartmouth Student

In the back of my mind, I knew what I wanted. The natural world compelled me; the study of trees, air, and our rising oceans always seemed fascinating (or, well, concerning in an interesting way). Yet, these were topics I only had a glimpse of in 8th grade science. Nobody I had come across actually worked with trees, there were no gardeners in my family, nor had I ever heard of an “air specialist.” It seemed silly to think of people that exclusively worked for nature.

My Interest in Environmental Engineering

Whenever I mentioned my interest in environmental engineering to family members or teachers, I was met with confusion. I had been asked what exactly environmental engineers did so often that I began to think I imagined the profession. And with each stumbling answer I gave of the google definition, the less confident I got in my ability to pursue it. What were environmental engineers, really?

A Chance Meeting

Each question brought more on, yet there was no one I could direct them to. None of my teachers or family members knew people working with the environment, at least not personally. The field seemed elusive and untouched. Yet, just as I thought of going into mechanical engineering – a field that clearly had more charted waters – I had a chance meeting at a volunteering event; an environmental engineer from the Environmental Protection Agency!

I leapt at the chance to speak with him, all of my questions pouring out in an email correspondence that lasted for six months. With each response he sent, I felt myself become more excited with the prospect of stepping into his shoes. I began taking free online environmental science classes, studying dual enrollment engineering, and speaking to anyone that would listen about my future career goals.

How Many Other Students Were Facing This Same Issue?

This excitement got me thinking: how many other students were currently facing the same issue I had faced? Careers focusing on the environment are still relatively new. Quickly growing, of course, but non-traditional to the point of near invisibility until college. My classmates never heard about environmental engineers, scientists, or lawyers until I began speaking about them, and my passion would have ceased had it not been for the path I crossed with that environmental engineer.

I thought about the students who could be the next environmental leaders – those who have a strong interest in the natural world, with nobody to direct their curiosity towards – that may not be lucky enough to cross paths with an environmental professional. This lack of guidance is particularly harmful towards students with a lack of resources: those with fewer familial connections, living in underfunded school districts, or with a lack of representation in their field of interest. I understood that these students being able to ask questions and affirm that yes, they can do this would be significant in making them more confident in pursuing environmental careers.

Connecting with NEWIEE

This series of events led to my reaching out to NEWIEE. I sought out a program allowing high school students to connect with the professionals in NEWIEE’s network – to make life-changing resourceful relationships more accessible.

NEWIEE’s Career Conversations Email Group

We were able to create an email group in which high school students could easily ask any college or career advice that crossed their minds. This ability for students to easily receive individualized information and advice will make them feel like they’re already part of the enviro-energy community, allowing for a smooth college or career transition.

Benefits of the Email Group

With our aspiring professionals email group, we invite several amazing actions. We’re promoting access to environmental careers, encouraging connections between our professional, college, and high school members, and invoking confidence within students – especially those coming from underserved communities – who are curious about environmental careers, but don’t know where to direct their questions.

Environmentalism and sustainability are not traditional fields, but by introducing this means of discussion and education, we are playing a crucial role in making them the careers of the present and future.

Join the Conversation!

Please join us on this email group which will offer an open exchange of ideas, guidance, and stories between students, rising professionals, and established professional mentors. Enlist the NEWIEE brain trust for advice about working toward or advancing in a career focused on energy or the environment.

Joining is easy! Just click this link to view our code of conduct and sign up! Once you join, you will be able to message the group via email.

Also of Interest

• NEW! NEWIEE Up-and-Comers Website Page
• NEWIEE’s Job’s Board
• Get Involved with NEWIEE