This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Chatham chapter.
Cierra Snyder is one kick-butt first-year. Not only is she juggling a ton of student organizations, she’s also one of the founders of the Sustainable Impact Team! And even more importantly, she’s one of our staff writers here at Her Campus Chatham. We know how much Cierra has on her plate—and have no clue how she manages to do it all—so we decided it was time she get recognized for all of her hard work!
Her Campus Chatham: What are you studying right now at Chatham?
Cierra Snyder: Sustainability
What organizations are you involved with at Chatham?
Her Campus, Chatham Student Government, and the Sustainable Impact Team as part of the Net Impact Chatham University Chapter.
What got you interested in sustainability?
I’ve always been intrigued by the environment and wanted to do something about the trouble it’s in. With sustainability I get to do that, along with social and economic justice. I love the idea that I am studying how to help the world. Literally.
What prompted the creation of the Sustainable Impact Team?
A very good friend of mine, Nikki Mammano, said she wanted to start an environmental club together. We then found Net Impact, which was also a new organization on campus. We decided our goals were similar and should join forces. Thus, the Sustainable Impact Team (SIT) was born as a subchapter/committee of the Net Impact Chatham University Chapter.
What goals do you have for SIT this year?
We have a lot of exciting things on our agenda! We want to have some fundraisers to donate to the Heifer Foundation. These include a barn dance at Eden Hall and a moss graffiti workshop. And we are always looking for ways to make our voices heard through activism. We are starting a divestment campaign for Chatham, and hope to launch a recycling campaign as well down the road.
You just participated in a rally in D.C. What was the subject of the rally? What was that like?
The Our Generation, Our Choice rally in D.C. was one of the most amazing, almost spiritual events I’ve ever been involved in. There were 3 subjects: Climate Change, Racial Justice, and Immigration Reform. We gathered just a street away from the White House to let our leaders, present and future, know what our generation wants to see addressed.
What would be your dream job?
Anything with a purpose to help humanity and the environment.
What are some goals you have for post-grad?
After undergrad I’d like to complete grad school with a masters in sustainability using the five-year program at Chatham.
How has Chatham changed your life?
Chatham has opened my eyes to so many things. I feel like I have become so much more culturally diverse just from the one semester I have been here. It is also my land of opportunities. Many of the things I am doing now would not have been possible in my hometown. Chatham is helping me to thrive.
What do you love most about Chatham?
I love that there are so many things to do! You can check out anything and see if you are interested or not. Often, you find something you like.
SPEED ROUND:
What’s your favorite drink at Café Rachel?
Can’t answer–completely dependent on my mood.
What’s the best advice you’ve received from a Chatham professor or faculty member?
To take classes and pursue careers that interest you, not the paths you think you are supposed to take but bore you.
If you had to read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Bag of Bones – Stephen King. It’s so long it would take a lifetime to remember everything that happens.
If you could meet one female activist—dead or alive—who would it be?
Alice Paul–She was well educated and was extremely passionate, fighting for women’s rights and suffrage. She protested in DC and even went to jail for it. I admire the drive she had and the cause.
All photos courtesy of Cierra Snyder.