My time working in the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Justice (OSEJ) as a College Corps Fellow has been very captivating. I was fortunate to be able to work with a team as welcoming and accepting as the folks in OSEJ–the experience truly felt one of a kind. As a fourth-year Marketing student preparing to graduate in May, I took this experience as an opportunity to prepare myself for the transition into the professional world.

While working with the team, I was able to closely observe behaviors, communication styles, listening skills, and leadership styles that one day I will be able to confidently apply in my own professional work setting. I have been able to effectively apply my marketing knowledge towards various OSEJ initiatives such as creating a visual communication guide that can be used as an evergreen resource for the OSEJ team, helping them convey complex environmental and social topics through engaging marketing materials. I am also proud to share that I was directly involved in the coordination, planning, and implementation of the County’s 2025 Earth Day Fair. During this effort, I conducted research on interactive activities, developed focused email communications, curated an invitee list to strengthen partnerships, managed the event table, and designed reusable templates for future events. I also supported the team in preparing and staffing community meetings and documented lived experiences, reflections, and comments made by meeting attendees that will inform OSEJ’s current and future efforts .

I am very thankful for the opportunity to be able to work as an agent of environmental and social change along with many passionate individuals who I am confident will make a difference for future generations. As my time here is nearing completion, I’m looking forward to applying these professional and personal skills that a group of great individuals taught me and transferring it to the next stage of my life.

Serving as a College Corps Fellow with the Sustainability Planning Division of Planning & Development Services has widened my perspective on sustainability and enhanced my environmental awareness in my community. I feel thankful for this opportunity and for the incredible people I met throughout my time here, as they strongly contributed to my learning and success.

Throughout my time with the County, I was able to implement and develop my skills and interests in marketing and sustainability to support the County’s Climate Action Plan (CAP). I wrote about sustainable New Year’s resolutions for the CAP newsletter, created informational social media posts on community programs, participated in tabling at the University of San Diego’s sustainable career fair, and brainstormed creative and strategic ideas with my team for the County’s CAP website. I also had the chance to assist the Conservation team in their tree planting program and contribute to the development of a new agricultural website for the County.

As my time with the County comes to an end, I feel so thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of a passionate team like the Sustainability Planning Division, and I feel inspired to continue pursuing impactful work in my community!