My name is Agnes Barthel, and I am a recent graduate of Harbor City International School (HCIS) in Duluth. Looking back on my time at Harbor City International School, I’m grateful for all of the hands-on environmental projects I had the opportunity to be part of. At HCIS, our Action Club Team took on a variety of environmental initiatives and collaborated closely with Youth Eco Solutions. We created projects based on topics that we were passionate about, and looked for ways we wanted to create change in our school and local communities.
One of our team’s main priorities was protecting the water quality of our streams, rivers, and Lake Superior, recognizing that pollution disrupts entire ecosystems and ultimately affects human health and communities. During my two years working with YES, this focus led to projects like educating our school on recycling and composting, planting trees, organizing sidewalk and beach clean-ups, and many more. One of the most rewarding experiences for me was a workshop we designed for Many Rivers Montessori, where we taught elementary students how to monitor water quality. Seeing how engaged and curious they were showed me the importance of early education in environmental advocacy.
One of the most valuable aspects of my involvement for me was the many opportunities I had to attend workshops, hear from local organizations/guest speakers, and speak with community leaders about important topics. Our work wasn’t just about trying to improve the environment– it was about deepening our own understanding of the issues at hand. These events helped equip me with the skills and perspectives to continue advocating for solutions in the future, and played a huge role in my decision to pursue a degree in Environmental Studies. A key focus of our team was the disproportionate impact of environmental issues on communities of color and people experiencing poverty. We saw these injustices in our own community, and they became central to many of our projects and workshops. Now, as an Environmental Studies student, I apply this knowledge and perspective every day in my classes and in the climate activism I continue in my college community. Viewing environmental issues through the lens of justice has helped me understand the broader social impacts of pollution and climate change, as well as the importance of equitable solutions. Addressing the systemic disparities that leave certain communities more vulnerable to environmental harm allows us to develop solutions that not only protect nature, but also promote health and resilience for everyone.
For current YES participants and students working on environmental initiatives, my advice is to fully embrace the opportunities in front of you. The work you’re doing now—whether it’s a recycling project, a conservation effort, or an educational campaign—matters. These experiences not only create positive change in your community but also shape the way you understand and engage with the world. The hands-on learning, collaboration, and problem-solving I experienced at HCIS and through our projects with YES played a huge role in shaping my passion for environmental work, and continue to influence how I approach challenges today. I’m excited to see the next generation of YES students drive meaningful change. The connections you build now will stay with you far beyond high school—so keep learning, advocating, and pushing for a better future!
