By Polly Peterson, Guest Commentary -- The Beacon
I don't think I am alone in my increasing feelings of panic regarding my pending graduation just weeks away. Pressures to find a job, pay off debts, and actually be an adult, are looming. The million-dollar question "So what are you doing after graduation?" makes my palms get clammy, and I always feel a bit defeated answering truthfully, "Well, I don't really know…"
If you share in these symptoms of anxiety regarding your imminent future, fear no more. You can answer with a much more inspiring, and still truthful: "I'm going to change the world." Because we are. University of Portland breeds world-changers. And our world, regardless of your political beliefs or your sense of responsibility for being involved in the transition, is facing changes. Climate change is here. Whether you blame humans for it or not, it's happening. And we can do things to slow it down. Pilot entrepreneurs can capitalize on the blooming green-collar job market. Our engineers, fresh out of the LEED-certified Shiley Hall are going to be designing the next generation of more efficient buildings, vehicles, etc.
The University of Portland has already produced many of these cutting-edge individuals with the eye for a certain need, so why not you and me next? Whether we stay in Portland, move back home or move to an entirely new place, we will be equipped with the skills to make a positive difference in the lives of others and the intuition to know that now is the time to act and be on the cutting edge of an exciting transformation.
Regardless of whether you feel the pull to do something about climate change because you feel morally obligated to preserve the environment, or because you like saving money on your bills, the fact that there is an emerging market for climate-solution industries is undeniable, and we are going to be a part of it. I want the Saudi Arabia of wind energy to be in the United States, creating American jobs and increasing our national security by decreasing our dependency on foreign oil. I want those living in poverty to have the same access to clean water that I have. I want a good job after graduation! We can sit around and wait while our peers find a solution for us and we can piggyback on their discoveries, or we can make the discoveries ourselves. Come to Focus the Nation on Feb. 26, and let's transform our energy future together. Why continue all the risks of business as usual and go down, when there are so many opportunities to go UP? Whatever the reason that drives you to get involved, come engage with the community about how to make your vision for a transformation a reality.
Polly Peterson is a political science and Spanish studies major, she can be contacted at peterson11@up.edu.
