Melissa Rizzo, Editor-in-Chief
@mrizzo_courant
After high school and even college, many students believe that if they put what they’ve learned into action, they’ll be able to build a career. While this is important, what if students could use what they’ve learned in school as a way to improve their lifestyles as well? AP Environmental Science teacher, April Kish, demonstrates how academic knowledge can not only build careers but also vastly influence a person’s lifestyle.
After developing a passion for Environmental Science in college, and working within the scientific field, Ms. Kish decided to transition into teaching to spread her enthusiasm for the environment. “When I teach my students, I hope that they feel that passion and that it drives them to make the small but impactful changes in their lives that will contribute to a more sustainable society,” said Ms. Kish.
To further this passion Ms. Kish spent a portion of her summer in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest. “I went to the Amazon to see what I’m teaching about since I often talk about its global effects on the water cycle,” Ms. Kish said.
Visiting the Amazon has allowed Ms. Kish to develop a nuanced appreciation for the rainforest which she can impart to her students. “Now that I’ve been there, and spent time with the indigenous community, I see how important the rainforest is, not just environmentally, but culturally,” said Ms. Kish.
This experience with nature has reinforced her drive to not only lead a more sustainable life but also to inspire her students to do the same. “When I was in the canopy of the forest, and I would look outward, I could hear all of the animals, and I thought to myself, ‘there is nowhere in America where I could go to see such an undisturbed area of land.’ That beauty is something that we’re going to lose over time if we don’t make a conscious effort to protect it,” Ms. Kish said.
Having learned about Environmental Science through her experiences in college, her travels, and her vocation, Ms. Kish has been motivated to make several changes to her lifestyle. “Recently my family and I have made many changes such as buying solar panels, a fully electric car, eating less meat, reducing plastic usage, using biodegradable floss, and switching to biodegradable strips of laundry detergent,” said Ms. Kish.
Not only do these changes benefit the environment, but also the overall health of her family. “My husband has high cholesterol, so it’s good for him that we don’t eat as much meat. Also, the chemicals in traditional floss are actually harmful to humans,” Ms. Kish said.
Leading by example, through the Environmental Science course, Ms. Kish encourages her students to become conscious consumers. “With all the power kids have in the palm of their hands, they can become that conscious consumer, and I hope that after having taken Environmental Science they feel empowered to make that choice,” said Ms. Kish.
Ms. Kish makes her AP Environmental Science an opportunity for students to not only learn and develop a passion for the environment but also a time for students to improve their own lifestyles. “The healthier environment you have, the healthier life you live,” Ms. Kish said.
