By Natalie Ayvazian
Junior Jessie Pham steps up the game in environmental awareness. As a member of the Ecology Club since her freshman year of high school, she considers this her passion. The club allows students to learn more about the earth, evolution, botany, global warming, and life outdoors. Pham appreciates how the members are motivated and dedicated to the club.
‘‘I like how the people in the club are very hardworking and dedicated…they are there because they love the environment and they love the earth,’’ Pham said. ‘‘Ecology is very important to us and we all try to contribute and do our best to reduce things like our carbon footprint or reduce our impact on the natural world.’’
Pham is a publicist for the club but is currently working with other board members in preparation to become co-president, a position she is willing to continue entirely next year.
Even though there were challenges in the club being on the board, especially during the pandemic, Pham made sure to email the club members beforehand to prepare for any upcoming events and meetings to not lose contact with them since the club has not been able to have as many in-person events as previous years.
“Jessie’s initiative and work ethic helped the club move forward,” Pham’s co-president sophomore Giauy Ngo said. “She works hard to get things done and it’s especially helpful when time is of the essence.”
As she plans for the upcoming year, Pham looks back fondly on the many memories she has made.
‘‘My favorite memories are going to nature walks every Friday, taking care of the Ocean Friendly Garden…being able to come to school, work there, and meet the members in person,’’ she said.
The Ocean Friendly Garden is a major project with a critical purpose: to cultivate California native plants while reducing pollution and conserving water. The garden is a collaborative effort among the Ecology Club, Surfrider Club, Gardening Club, Mental Health Awareness and Support Club, and Art Club.
‘‘Just being able to incorporate all of these clubs and all of their talents, being able to work with everyone to get [their] focus on one project has been a big accomplishment for us,’’ Pham said.
Jessie is also working on another of the Ecology Club’s projects that aim to help the surrounding community.
‘‘Currently, we are working on a different project to give a water bottle refill station to aid lower-income schools,” Pham said.
Additionally, Pham helped find guest speakers for the club meetings, and this allowed members to learn more about the different topics of the Ecology Club and see from the perspectives of experts.
Pham advises people interested in ecology to connect with others in the community and share their experiences and interests with them. She also emphasizes that anyone is welcome to join the club, even if they do not have any experience with it, because the Ecology Club is very open-minded and welcoming.
‘‘We are very excited when people show that they are very enthusiastic about what we do as the Ecology Club, we welcome [them] with open arms, and we are very excited.”
