Student Spotlight: Kamila Edwards

Kamila Edwards ’18, volunteered at the GreenBuild International Conference and Expo 2017 in Boston, MA, where she used her knowledge in sustainability and technology to become LEED certified and network with industry professionals.

How did this experience impact you?

This experience really changed the trajectory of my career, and made me realize it is so important to constantly learn as many new things as possible. The people who I was most impressed with all had an area of expertise, or specialty which drove their career forward. The conference led to me becoming LEED accredited, as well as striving to learn as much as I can about green building.

What did you learn about yourself during your experience?

I learned that no matter how good my grades are or how amazing my internship experiences were, there will always be someone who knows more than me. This is not a bad thing, but rather a motivation to never stop learning or growing, because the people around me aren’t going to either.

How has this opportunity or experience prepared you for your future career?

It prepared me for the life of a sustainability professional. I had the opportunity to network with a variety of people from various companies, and learn the ways of conference-going!

How did this opportunity enhance your experience as a CNR student?

First off, I feel so lucky to be a CNR student and to be given this opportunity. I know that we are the only college with this type of support system, and it makes such a difference in our education. To be able to learn outside of the classroom showed me how important what we do learn is. I sat in on information sessions about energy efficiency and sustainability advocating. I wouldn’t have been able to stand up and ask questions or participate in discussions without what I learned on campus in CNR. CNR provided us with a backbone, but going to the conference was a way to engage with what we had already learned.

What did you enjoy most about your experience?

I really enjoyed traveling to Boston, because it was my first time and also meeting new people. There were so many smart and talented people it is impossible to count, but some of the highlights included hearing Neil Degrasse Tyson and Bill Clinton speak, as well as the president of USGBC.

What do you enjoy most about being a CNR student?

I love knowing all of my classmates and all of my professors on a first name basis. It really does feel like going to class with all your friends, and it makes for a much more enjoyable classroom experience. I love that CNR constantly lifts its students up and focuses more on collaboration than competition.

What other scholarships, organizations or student groups are you involved in? Do you hold any leadership positions?

I am involved in the B Corp Clinic, held in Poole College of Management.

Anything else you would like to say about your student experiences, your major, CNR, etc.?

Thank you CNR!! I could not be a happier soon-to-be-graduate 🙂