Sustainable Campus Forum -A day at the UPEMOR
By Sarah Cartier, CRLT teacher (Dawson College)
Wednesday morning (March 15, 2017), we prepared for our third and final day of the Itinerant Binational Forum on Sustainable Campuses. There was some nervous energy in the air because half of us were presenting to the other participants, some of us for the first time at a Forum of this importance. We were excited to share our experiences and passions, but of course, feeling some nervousness – staff and students alike.
After two very full and exciting days, we were full of anticipation and excitement to see what the students and staff of UPEMOR had in store for us. UPEMOR is also where two CRLT- Dawson interns started their internship, so they were looking forward to returning to the campus to see how the projects that they had worked on had come together.
Arriving on campus, our eyes were immediately drawn to the colourful, Nature-themed, student-created mural. We knew that it was going to be officially inaugurated later in the day, so we had to settle for a few peeks from a distance for the time being.
The day’s schedule was then confirmed after some rain (aka: liquid sunshine) meant that some afternoon activities were moved to the morning. Taking into consideration our constant desire for caffeine and treats, our hosts graciously started the day with a “Coffee and Chat”. After selecting some delicious breakfast goodies and famous Mexican coffee, we gathered in a circle to share some of our own personal experiences in practising sustainability—both at home and in our professional lives. Casual, yet guided conversations like this, help to remind me that we each have a role to play in increasing sustainability. We can each take better care of our planet by making mindful choices in our everyday lives as well as making commitments to do even more in the future. During this conversation, I was inspired by ideas like: collecting rain water at home for watering plants, using solar energy to heat and committing to eating local, in-season foods. I was also reminded that regardless of the country we live in or the position we have at our institutions, being mindful about about the choices we make everyday; about our home energy, our forms of transportation, our food choices is a great way to make a positive difference. We do not have to be perfect all the time, but little by little, we can have a big impact.
I must add here, a huge thank you to our caring and skilled interpreters. Without their knowledge and effort to interpret Spanish into English and vice versa, I would not have understood 90% of what was shared at the Forum. Our interpreters were gracious and tireless in helping us non-Spanish or non-English speaking participants get the most possible out of all the wonderful presentations, activities and spontaneous sharing moments.
With such a relaxed and inspiring start of the day, we were excited to start the Nature-based activities that our hosts had planned for us. As an alumni and faculty member of Community Recreation Leadership Training (CRLT) program at Dawson College, one of my credos is, “Take Time to Play” and play we did! We played games that challenged our senses and our knowledge and connection to Nature. We were divided into 2 teams and we were tasked with using our 5 senses to complete a drawing challenge, get from one end of the campus to the other while blindfolded and to identify Natural items. I cannot tell you which team was the winner, but I can tell you that I laughed, I felt competitive and I also felt connected to Nature. The games ended by our blind-folded arrival at the cite for the prototype of the new aquatic peace garden. Before removing our blind-folds, we were treated to a guided meditation. For me, it really hit the spot as I was able to appreciate the beauty of the spot and also relax my pre-presentation nerves. The prototype for the aquatic peace garden was beautiful, serene and teaming with species and colours. Congratulations to all those who were involved in the planning and building of this mini-oasis!
Next up, it was time to celebrate the newly complete Peace Mural. We wrote and drew messages of peace in Spanish, English and French on the chalk board. We posed for photos in the Aquatic Peace Garden photo frame. We took time to thank those who designed, implemented, administered, encouraged and supported the creation of the garden and the mural. It is a wonderful feeling to know that Dawson is not the only campus that believes that Nature can soothe as well as educate. After capturing all the proud smiles and feeling like a local celebrity from all the photos taken, we headed inside to enjoy hearing from some of the forum participants.
Thanks to a great room and audio visual set up, we were happy to hear from teachers and students on the advantages and importance of student exchanges and internships. It was especially wonderful to hear from Jessica, Yael, Keera and Sergio, all who have taken place in these Mexico\Canada exchanges and all whom I have had the pleasure to teach! Hearing them speak from the heart about what they have learned and understood and how their experiences made them feel, inspired me to make sure that I help encourage more students to take place in these experiential learning opportunities. Each of these students is a credit to their school and made their teams very proud! This is just the beginning of their amazing careers and we look forward to seeing their continued contributions to making the world a better place.
After the students, we heard from Diana Rice, the Coordinator of our very own Peace Centre and Community Life Programming, who spoke on the importance of Acts of Peace and the role that the Peace Centre at Dawson College plays. Her heartfelt presentation and well-chosen videos created a clear message that Peace can be practised and built at a campus and helps to build understanding, decrease conflict and to make our schools even more community-based and a place where staff, teachers and students want to be.
Our last presentation of the day (and of the Mexico section of this year’s forum) was presented by yours truly on the subject of “Nature as Mentor: The Outdoor Experiences” . I shared photos and moments from a course that I co-teach with my mentor Chris Adam called Environmental Leadership Experience. This course focuses on taking students from all backgrounds and comfort levels outside into the arms of Nature. I shared how we use a 5-day experiential intensive course to create awareness and connections. This course is designed to turn anyone into a Nature Advocate in under 5 days. It was a thrill for me to share with other educators and students who are engaged in raising awareness of the importance of getting back outside! Even though it was the end of the day and the audience had thinned out somewhat, I felt the positive energy and appreciation of the people who were there. It was an honour for me to share my passions with such engaged people.
To wrap up the day, we closed the forum by thanking people for their efforts in planning and , implementing the Forum, for presenting, for participating in the projects and exchanges and for being part of team that made this incredible event possible. There was a bittersweet feeling in the air… Happiness for having participated but sadness that this part was over.
Luckily, we were able to continue the good vibes by heading over to Margarita Hurtado’s home for some cold beverages and homemade food by her pool. We lounged, laughed, admired birds and shared a meal together. A truly wonderful and informal way to end the 3rd Itinerant Binational Forum for Sustainable Campuses.
