From Seeds to Sowers — SEEQS Alumni
Alexis Yee
My name is Alexis and I graduated from SEEQS in 2019. After my endeavors at SEEQS, I went to Henry J Kaiser High School and graduated with a International Baccalaureate Career Related Program Certificate. I am currently at Oregon State University studying Zoology and Environmental Law. My free time is often spent playing board games and reading new novels.
What was your favorite memory from an EQS class at SEEQS?
I remember the day we were finally able to publish the class written book from EQS Ho`omana`o. With a focus on sustainability, Ho`omana`o shares stories about how we can learn from the past to prepare for the ever changing future. Many Native Hawaiian practices look to prepare for the next generation and what they might need. The book covers experts who we had learned from and different practices that may help us act more sustainability. We were a small group publishing it and we had to look through every single page, make sure they were all formatted the same and written fairly well. We had to work and directly contact the publisher and find out how we were going to fund this book. When the book finally came to fruition, near the end of the school year, it felt like a huge weight was off my shoulders. That entire year we had been focusing on this one project instead of doing two separate ones like everyone else. All that work had finally come together, and being able to present our finished product at presentations was so satisfying.
What sustainability skill is the most meaningful to your life since SEEQS? To your current activities?
Thinking Systemically applies to almost everything I do. I find myself pondering why my plant isn’t growing. Is it the soil? The soil I work with may have an effect for this certain plant but it also may be connected to the seeds. The seeds I used were not from a supplier I knew. Finding the reason can go on and on, but that is when it leads to trial and error. I find myself using this skill when I’m doing work, or trying to cook. The skill applies almost everywhere. Being able to systems think allows the user to understand all the playing parts, and how changing one part, may change them all. It is an asset that everyone can use.
What are one or two experiences from your time at SEEQS that inspired a new passion or helped you further develop your interests?
SEEQS had held a Christmas play in my 7th grade year at SEEQS. I was a quiet kid, afraid of public speaking, and had no experience dancing, acting, or singing. The only plays I had watched by that time were ones mandated by elementary school assemblies. I don’t remember what spurred me on to audition, but I’m truly glad I did. The director cast me as a lead and gave me a solo. I still don’t know why she gave me the role, but it gave me the confidence I needed to grow into someone new. Despite being stared at by the whole school at the winter assembly, I felt nothing but happiness. No fear of judgment, no worries, after all they would be judging the mayor, not Alexis. After this experience, those dreadful presentations became a breeze. I felt confident in my own abilities, and it led to me auditioning for other roles and diving deeper into the world of theater. While I do not act today, I still enjoy going to musicals. Hopefully one day, I can continue this passion that all started with a spur decision, and a teacher with confidence in me.
How did SEEQS change or deepen your understanding of sustainability and its importance to our community and world?
SEEQS made me realize how much we needed sustainability. As we continue our current business practices, we can continue to prepare a world that may not be livable for the next generations. That idea terrifies me yet, it is an idea that we all need to notice. I had only thought of sustainability as an idea surrounding the environment before SEEQS. However, it is a huge system not just based on the environment, but every aspect of the world. Sustainability can directly relate to the economy, the food we eat and how we eat it. It has made me realize sustainability is a system, one that correlates to almost everything we do.
Brag about yourself. What is one achievement (or multiple) you've accomplished since SEEQS that you are proud of, big or small?
I got my first job! I had always wanted a job during high school but ultimately decided against it to focus on my studies. Now that I’m in college, even before my first day I had already been applying for part-time jobs through my school. My job directly helps students with disabilities, or those who just aren’t in a position to listen to lectures, be able to read through it instead. Knowing I’m helping others accomplish their goals, brings me a sense of pride I never had before.
Another thing I’m proud of is going through the Climate Crew. Though my time with the Climate Crew was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I am still proud of the work I had done with them such as getting Bill 25 passed in June 2020. The Climate Crew taught me valuable lessons about myself and about how to be a steward of change. I found that I don’t want to be in the spotlight and would rather work supporting them. Learning this was an accomplishment in itself.
What do you wish more people knew about what it means to be a steward of planet Earth and a healthy, effective citizen of the world?
Being a steward of the planet does not mean you have to be the next Greta Thunberg. There are people behind her, and all the other speakers, who do just as much to be a healthy citizen of the world. Every small sustainable thing we do, brings us one step closer to a healthier environment. People should remember that change comes from collective action. That collective action can come from everyone starting a new habit. You don’t need to start a rally, nor do you need to change the lives of millions of people. To be a steward of planet Earth, and an effective citizen of the world, first change yourself and your habits, then soon others will follow.