What students say
"One thing I have gained from EcoHouse is the knowledge that it doesn't really matter what your background happens to be, you can still make a difference. In fact, the more diverse the group of people working towards the same goal, the better, as the solution will likely turn out to be a creative one drawn from everyone's individual strengths." LB, Anthropology.
 "The best part of the learning experience is that not all of the learning happens in the classroom. We learned about our local watershed in class, the causes of its pollution (people!), and its consequences for the water, plants, and animals. Then we went canoeing on the Anacostia River and saw everything in person. Along the way, we collected 6 canoe-loads of trash!" RF, Pre-Med.
"One of the major perks about the "living" part of this living-learning program is the fact that I've benefited from having a roommate who's shooting for the same goals as I am... and I've learned about and tried new (to me) vegetarian and organic things that are now staples on my shopping list." BG, Environmental Science.
"As an engineering major, I rarely have the opportunity to integrate the technology and science we are learning in class with discussion of its implications for the environment. EcoHouse is a time to sit with knowledgeable peers in other majors and ponder those interactions." PH, Engineering.
"My Service-Leadership projects are probably my favorite part of EcoHouse. The projects allow students to shine in what they are best at, while still allowing students to try something new and adventurous." AN, Government & Politics.
"EcoHouse has also given me an appreciation for the diversity of personality types and academic backgrounds of students interested in the environment. I now realize the tremendous benefits of this diversity in providing a fresh perspective... I know I will now seek out this type of interdisciplinary interaction in whatever career field I enter." CH, Environmental Science.
"Instead of becoming overwhelmed by my smallness pitted against the enormity of climate change, my classmates in EcoHouse have helped guide my discontent toward more constructive ends. I made goals to educate myself about the politicians who are running for office, so as to give my vote to those concerned with taking action for change..." NS, English.
"When I applied to EcoHouse, my hope was to find people to live around with whom I shared values and a lifestyle. I found exactly what I was looking for, and more." PC, Environmental Science.
"For my Service-Leadership requirement I decided to become an EnvironMentor for a high school student in DC. This has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has also reminded me how much I enjoy teaching, and has inspired me to apply to Teach for America." CH, Environmental Science.
"I have gained a broader understanding of the environmental movement, a clearer direction for my education, and a forum for taking in and letting loose ideas. We have a wonderful mix of talent and inspiration here in EcoHouse!" PC, Environmental Science.
"Our field trip to see the Ansel Adams exhibit was an eye-opener for me because I didn't think that photography could make a difference in the environmental movement... Adams helped identify the beauty of the environment that so many people living in urban areas couldn't see, and he took an active role in the environmental movement, which is not something I would have expected from an artist." RF, Pre-Med.
"Because I am able to cook my own food, I have a lot more control over my dining choices, and have had many opportunities to share recipes and meals with my EcoHouse friends." BG, Environmental Science.
"Being sustainable can be hard on your own, particularly in a society where there is so much momentum in the opposite direction. EcoHouse has given me a forum to explore new ways of being an environmentalist, and an activist on- and off-campus." PH, Engineering.
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