Nurturing a passion for environmental education
Shaela Patel, a SOLS sophomore studying conservation biology with a minor in sustainability and certificates in cross-sector leadership and environmental education, already has gained invaluable experience interning at SolarSPELL and her passion for making a tangible impact through teaching and conservation initiatives.
Patel's introduction to SolarSPELL came through a recommendation from Abby Johnson, who recognized Patel's dedication to sustainability and environmental education. SolarSPELL is a unique initiative that provides digital libraries powered by solar energy, designed to serve communities in areas with limited internet access. Her role as an intern focused on curating educational content for these libraries, specifically targeting sustainable agriculture and environmental practices.
"It was one of the best internship experiences I could’ve had," she said with enthusiasm, recalling her time at SolarSPELL. Her tasks ranged from creating accessible educational resources about coffee production in Rwanda to developing infographics that translated complex scientific articles into digestible content for rural communities. These efforts were aimed at helping local farmers adopt sustainable practices through easily understandable materials.
Following the spring semester, Patel continued her work with SolarSPELL over the summer, this time focusing on their Wikipedia for Schools project. This initiative aimed to curate content for students in South Africa and Lesotho, particularly those in elementary and middle school. Her goal was to find articles that were not only informative but also engaging and relevant to the students’ everyday lives.
"I found a lot of stuff on environmental education, personal sustainability and even ecotourism," Shaela noted, highlighting her commitment to making learning both fun and educational. Her love for animals also led her to add numerous entries on native South African species, allowing students to explore and learn about the wildlife in their own backyard.
A passion for teaching and conservation
Patel’s passion for environmental education didn’t start at SolarSPELL. Her journey began years earlier as a volunteer at the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona, where she eventually worked as a summer camp educator. Teaching kids about animals, sustainability and conservation efforts sparked a realization that this was more than just a job—it was her calling.
Reflecting on her senior year of high school and her volunteer experiences, Patel shared, "The education I received made me realize that I could do something to address environmental problems, and that’s what inspired me to pursue this field." This hands-on approach to education, first shown to her by her high school marine biology and environmental science teacher, Mr. Fetkenhour, aims to empower young minds to take actionable steps towards a more sustainable future.
For Patel, the most rewarding aspect of her work is seeing the direct impact her educational efforts have on the kids she teaches. Whether it’s through her involvement in SolarSPELL or her work at the Zoo, her goal remains the same: to inspire the next generation to care about the environment and to equip them with the tools they need to make a difference.
"Action comes directly from education," she emphasized. "You can't do anything to help the planet until you learn about it first." This belief drives her to continue her efforts in both environmental education and conservation, hoping to instill the same passion in others that was once sparked in her.
One of the unique aspects of SolarSPELL is its dedication to feedback and improvement. Shaela shared how the organization continually collects data from the communities they serve to refine their educational materials and tools. This loop of continuous learning and adaptation ensures that the resources they provide are both relevant and effective.
"The feedback we get is invaluable," Patel said. "It helps us understand what the communities need and how we can improve their educational experience." This approach not only enhances the learning process but also strengthens the bond between SolarSPELL and the communities it serves.
In the future, Patel hopes to work in veterinary science, yet she remains deeply committed to environmental education. "I not only want to go out and help animals, but I also want to teach other people how to help them too," she said. Shaela’s experience at SolarSPELL has broadened her perspective, showing her that her impact can extend beyond direct conservation to include educating others to continue the work.
For young people looking to make a difference, Patel's advice is simple: "Get educated and then take action." She believes that understanding the issues is the first step toward making meaningful changes, whether it’s through small personal actions or larger community initiatives. As she continues her studies and expands her impact in environmental conservation, she remains focused on her ultimate goal: to inspire a new generation of environmental stewards who will carry the torch of sustainability forward.