During such an interesting time in our world, it is more crucial than ever to create solutions and apply them in a common sense and applicable way. As a science teacher I found that we have so much concise data on what is harming our planet, and ourselves. But the question is: what are the solutions?

To me permaculture is a solution specifically for food insecurity. Food insecurity hinders the well-being of people of all ages, domestic and abroad.

Having learned the fundamentals of permaculture systems design through the wonderful PDC course offered through the School of Permaculture I want to enable others to lead efforts to attain food security and nutritional awareness in communities and beyond. I am hoping to work with the School of Permaculture in fine tuning their educational experience while serving as a liaison for the school in the community as a project manager. My specific interests are in low-income schools and communities.

I have been blessed with a scholarship to complete the dual-degree Masters of International Relations and Masters of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development program at American University in D.C. and University of Peace in San Jose, Costa Rica. Here I will conduct research. I am taking advantage of the 1-year deferment option, and this is why: permaculture is the solution to food insecurity, yet it is minimally implemented in sustainable agriculture. This year is an opportunity for me to gain as many experiences in the efficacy of permaculture in order to consult and lead government agencies in their efforts to maintain sustainable agriculture.

The following is a good example of how practice in permaculture can help me remain versatile in the field of sustainability. I recently attended a presentation of the findings of a green roofs project by Texas A&M AgriLife in Dallas. The scope of the grant funded project was to utilize green roofs to reduce run-off and increase water quality. The leading researcher seemed like he had seen the light when I told him that permies love tree trunks for their water retention. That simple bit of knowledge might completely revolutionize a sector of sustainability that is completely unrelated to permaculture. This is why I love knowledge and education, you never know how it can be utilized.