Madison James 15 April 2025 2 minute read
Serving as an RCE Student Coordinator has been a deeply impactful experience, one that has expanded my understanding of sustainability, community engagement, and the interconnectedness of the
Initially, my passion for sustainability was rooted in my concern for food insecurity, but over time, this role has provided me with valuable insights into how Spelman students are already contributing to these global goals, and how as coordinators we can share the impact. It is inspiring that Spelman students naturally contribute to the SDGs, particularly those related to environmental sustainability and community well-being. From the Registered Student Organizations on campus, to students' choice to change the word, Spelmanites are driven by impact.
The compost initiative at Spelman, for example, is a perfect example of expanding our impact. While students may not be familiar with the SDGs verbatim, many engage with the principles of sustainability through everyday community service. I observed that while students recognize the importance of composting, they often struggle with executing the action consistently.
This gap is where our work as RCE Student Coordinators became especially meaningful. I was challenged to think creatively about how we could make sustainability easier and more accessible, even for those who are just starting to take an interest in these issues. The composting initiative, in particular, showed me the importance of developing systems that are both practical and effective. One of my key takeaways from this experience was understanding how to measure the success of a sustainability initiative.
Whether it’s calculating the amount of compost collected or finding ways to increase student participation. This has taught me the value of both data collection. I believe this initiative was impactful because it created systems that make everyone feel comfortable while maximizing impact, which is essential for sustainable change. Additionally, working on this project has helped me grow as a leader. It has sharpened my project management skills and deepened my understanding of what it takes to lead a community-based initiative.
I learned how to engage people in meaningful ways, encourage participation, and build a system that benefits the broader community. It’s also taught me the significance of collaboration. As I worked with faculty, other student leaders, and community partners, I realized that sustainability is not a solo effort, it requires everyone’s opinions and contribution. A major takeaway from my time in this role is the importance of action.
The SDG proposal we worked on, though we weren’t able to fully implement it, served as a starting point for broader conversations about how we can engage with sustainability at Spelman. Although the proposal was not executed to its fullest extent, the process itself was impactful. It showed me how important it is to have a vision for change, even if it is not immediately realized, and to continue pushing forward with education and action. My experience as an RCE Student Coordinator has broadened my understanding of the SDGs beyond environmental sustainability.
As we worked to pitch ideas and projects to our community, I realized how interconnected these goals are with social, economic, and cultural issues. This has inspired me to learn more about the SDGs as a framework for addressing global challenges, and it’s motivated me to engage more actively with the Spelman community to educate others about these goals. Ultimately, being an RCE Student Coordinator has deepened my commitment to sustainability and community engagement. I feel more equipped to lead projects, communicate the importance of the SDGs, and work alongside others who share a common vision for a more sustainable future.
I now understand that achieving all of the SDGs requires collective effort, and I am motivated to continue contributing to these goals, both within the Spelman community and beyond.