Maggie Sytsema

I am a Junior at Calvin University studying Environmental Health and Conservation, Spanish, and Environmental Studies. Growing up I delighted in getting my hands dirty in the garden alongside my mom, finding berries and stones that I could paint and draw with, and crafting with materials I scavenged from our recycling. This creativity and boundless curiosity inspired a deep love for God's creation and a fervent desire to learn more about it, to protect it, and above all to share this same awe and hope with others. Since then, I have passionately sought out opportunities to learn more about all the interconnected relationships that present challenges and opportunities for us in climate advocacy. I love learning about conservation and restoration ecology, sustainable agriculture, forestry, land management and so much more. While at Calvin, I've been challenged and so blessed by hands-on learning as part of Calvin's Sustainability Fellows Cohort and as an intern with Plaster Creek Stewards and the Calvin Ecosystem Preserve and Native Gardens. I'm so excited to continue to ask thoughtful questions about the world around me and to bring people together to witness the awe, creativity, and hope that I believe so envelops this climate advocacy work.