Anna Silverman

What is your major? Environmental studies and Spanish with a certificate in sustainability

Expected graduation: May 2025

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? I joined the environmental movement in sixth grade when I walked into my favorite teacher’s classroom at lunch on a Tuesday and found myself among the members of the Eco-Action Club. I saw students bent over lab tables, diligently populating posters with giant earths and bubble letters promoting our middle school’s latest Go Green to School event.

Experiencing solution-oriented involvement during my first encounter with environmentalism enhanced my capability to lead and make a difference in this movement. Realizing my potential as a young activist has been instrumental in motivating me to keep learning, growing, and ardently striving for greater awareness and education about climate change that will lead to stricter policies and protections. Learning about the social justice issues layered on top of the climate crisis has further solidified my mission to work toward a sustainable and equitable future for all.

What would you say to other students who ask about CESP or the Nelson Institute? CESP has provided me with amazing connections to people, job positions, and resources on campus that have helped me grow as a student, environmentalist, and person. I am so grateful to both this program and the Nelson Institute for helping me find my community.

Something few people know about you: On free days, I love going on long walks with my guitar on my back. I’ll find a secluded natural area and just sit down and play for a while. This connects me to the Earth and makes me feel at peace.