Sustainability Academy

A recent “transformative moment” was inspired by something Brian did 25 years ago as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya. At Kaparuso Secondary School, in the foothills of the Mau Escarpment, he and his students planted shade trees around the campus. This was a project that the students advocated for, Brian agreed to support, and together they found the resources to purchase a hundred Nandi Flame and Jacaranda saplings. Brian and the Students planned where they should go, talked about what they needed, and dreamed about what they could become. Recently, thanks to Google Earth, Brian was able to see those trees and he is thrilled that the majority of them have grown into just what we envisioned. When he left, the saplings were small and fragile, but the students staked, watered and tended them, taught the incoming students to do the same, and now those trees are tall and strong. At the time, they didn’t plant those trees to save the world; they planted those trees because they saw an opportunity to improve the community. This anecdote from Brian’s past speaks to his life as an educator: identifying needs and addressing them; empowering youth and working communally; being a stakeholder and leading by example. Brian has used this formula repeatedly to effect change in the many communities he has called home and, as a result, Brian has many great memories and friends. He has a deep appreciation for every person he meets. The best compliment Brian ever got was, “You always see the best in people.” This is true, but Brian has also seen the worst. As an educator, he put it all in the past and looks forward.