By Lori Tarbett
Second year environmental studies student Jessica Pelow is taking her love for the environment beyond the classroom and into the community. Among the many other community initiatives she participated in throughout high school and university, Pelow became involved in the Children’s Garden project at Lady Evelyn Alternative School through Carleton University’s First Year Experience Office.
Pelow, along with other Carleton students, presented to a class of grade four, five and six students who were developing a garden for children created by children. She taught the children about reptiles and amphibians and helped them brainstorm which elements would attract these creatures to the garden, while her peers discussed birds, bugs and bats.
Although Pelow initially came to Carleton as a Public Affairs and Policy Management student, she realized she was best suited for a program that would allow her to study her true passions. She decided Carleton’s comprehensive Environmental Studies program was the perfect fit. “The program at Carleton was appealing to me because it not only looks at the physical environment, but also delves into topics such as human geography, sustainability and even environmental politics,” says Pelow. “The range of subjects offered will allow me to attain a broad understanding of environmental matters and provide me with many options for a future career.”
The ambitious student has been hired by the First Year Experience Office as a Community Service-Learning Peer Helper. Some of the projects Pelow will be involved in this year include the Children’s Garden in Old Ottawa East, a collaborative project between the FYEO and four other community organizations. She will also be a part of a school ground greening project at Cambridge Street Community Public School.
Pelow’s love for the environment and children is evident: “After my studies at Carleton, I would ideally like to work at a conservation area as an environmental educator, so getting a Bachelor of Education may be in my future,” says Pelow.