zerenad
Registered: November 2009
City/Town/Province: Alhambra
Posts: 1
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The body was painted to reflect the form of a washing machine with a comically lonesome sock drawn in the middle. The silver flecks in the blue fabric sewn in the shape of an owl gleamed in the bright Los Angeles sun. It was the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District’s mascot, appropriately titled H20wl. I became involved with the Environmental Awareness Society (ERAS) in my sophomore year of high school, inspired by a freshman Biology class and community empowerment. In my junior year, my interest intensified upon learning about the effects of ozone depletion, water and air pollution, global warming-especially on urban communities. As a youth, I felt empowered to take action and took the initiative to be ERAS’ representative to the San Gabriel Valley Water District as the H20wl.
The physical transformation was simple enough; a cardboard body, owl shaped head, feathered leggings, and giant bird feet. But, the experience brought an entirely different transformation in itself. Two other volunteers and I were assigned: to appear at a Water Awareness Poster Judging Contest and then later a City Council meeting. When I first appeared amongst the children at the poster judging, their wonderment was endearing and curious-I was their first experience with environmental conservation advocacy. Later at the City Council meeting, I felt like I was visible, albeit in an awkward costume. Visibility and a sense of accomplishment in a professional setting were new to me; as a youth advocate for the environment I have learned that my voice matters. It matters to me and my Asian and Latino community to achieve positive environmental changes together.
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