Letters to the Editors
UPDATE FROM 2021 VRG SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
My semester at Smith College has gone well. I joined my school's chapter of the Sunrise Movement, which is a group that does environmental activism across the nation. Sunrise was in contact with the administration to improve the composting system across campus and add additional composting sites to make it easier for students. We phone-banked for some candidates who focus on environmental action who were running for midterm offices in Massachusetts. I joined Smith's Animal Advocates club. We held some successful fundraising events (including a vegan bake sale) for the local animal shelter. We also spoke with the dining hall coordinators about creating a designated "Meatless Monday" for every dining hall, which may happen next year. I enjoyed meeting other vegetarians and vegans. In environmental science/studies courses, I met vegan classmates. We had some really interesting conversations in class about the role of veganism in the environmental movement and how veganism is treated as a social movement/concept. I loved being around people who care about animals and the environment and take those things seriously. I've enjoyed the vegan food served in the dining halls.
Callie Showalter, via email
FROM A 2020 VRG SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
I wanted to share with you an exciting job position I will be starting this fall at UC San Diego, which is becoming an EcoNaut. (This is a student sustainability position under the housing and dining department.) I'm really excited for it and hope to bring in connections with eating plant-based and environmental sustainability.
Arpi Keshishian, via email
The deadline for The Vegetarian Resource Group college scholarships for high school seniors is February 20 of each year. Application information is at www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm
