Dispatches from the Future
Our Sustainable Future
‘Twas the night before graduation, at California State University, Chico. 2037 was the 150th Anniversary of Chico State. The student sat in her studio, preparing to teach her final yoga class at the WREC while reminiscing over her time at the university. Thinking back on the past four years, she begins to remember the chaos and the fear that spread throughout campus. It’s been a rough college career, to say the least.
The climate has changed dramatically throughout her time at Chico State. The student’s first year on campus was the year of natural disasters. From droughts to floods and heat waves to wildfires, chaos was the overall vibe on campus. The effect on the economy was even more devastating. Businesses around town were struggling to stay open and jobs were very difficult to come by. Students were concerned with what to study and whether they would be employable.
In what seemed like perfect timing, a new college was created on campus, The College of Social Change and Sustainable Innovation. Not only was this college an exciting new venture for students, it also created a space for hope and action towards a more sustainable future. Faculty were now able to teach what they were passionate about and students were now taking classes relevant to the causes they believe in. Since attendance in this college was in such demand, there always seemed to be an abundance of funding. On-the-job training and internships were required in order to graduate. Students left the university with strategic skills, experience, and motivation to create a sustainable world. This college has been an inspiration for not only California campuses, but for universities all over the globe.
Coming back to the present moment, the student smiles with gratitude, realizing tomorrow is the start of a new journey. She will graduate tomorrow through The College of Social Change and Sustainable Innovation with her degree in Sustainable Development. Once she gets back from the Sustainable Initiatives Conference in Copenhagen, she will begin her new career as a Sustainable Development Recruiter to inspire others to pursue sustainable social change. Her students begin to walk in for their restorative yoga session and she welcomes them with fluttering joy.
-- Sierra Baker
