In Their Words: Intern Jon Mitscha

This series highlights the most important people involved with the Alliance's Green Campus Program: our interns! The program employs more than 75 university and college students across California to implement energy efficiency projects at their campuses. See the entire In Their Words series.

In Jon's Words

• Name: Jon Mitscha
• Campus: Humboldt State University
• Studying: Environmental Science, focus on Technology, Energy

I was convinced a philosophy degree was in my future while at my junior college, DeAnza.  That was the plan until I took environmental biology with Professor Julie Phillips.  I’ve always loved animals and nature, but Professor Phillips’ passion for environmental stewardship made me realize an environmental degree was my calling.  I soon learned that many environmental problems stem from energy generation, and reducing our consumption (energy and otherwise) is critical for a thriving, sustainable future.

Upon receiving my AA from DeAnza, I transferred to Humboldt State and changed my major to Environmental Science.  I got involved with the Green Campus Program in fall 2008.  Right off the bat, I was blown away by the opportunities Green Campus provides.  Anyone can learn the basics of energy conservation and efficiency in a classroom (or online for that matter). But Green Campus interns speak with leading energy professionals and work with campus stakeholders. These interactions have given me valuable contacts and made me comfortable collaborating with high-level people.

The knowledge I’ve gained from Green Campus transformed me from an intimidated undergrad to a confident student leader.  Recently, I gave energy policy recommendations to the President’s Executive Advisory Committee.  This is something I would have never dreamed possible a few semesters back!
           
Last summer, I was offered an internship with a major utility in California quantifying how energy efficiency affects the cost of residential photovoltaic solar power. My Green Campus experience was a major contributor to landing that awesome internship because it gave me a huge leg-up on other applying undergrads with little experience in the energy field.
 
First and foremost, Green Campus taught me to THINK BIG and realize that most times our limitations are self -imposed.  Sitting here with one semester left for my BS, I’m amazed how much I’ve learned and grown.
 
I am so grateful for what this program has offered me. It gives students unmatched green workforce experience and access to top professionals in the energy field.  The Green Campus Program is truly a springboard for future energy and environmental leaders.  I don’t know where I’d be today if it weren’t this invaluable program!

Remember everybody:
The world is run by those who show up.  GET INVOLVED!