Princeton Courtyard Project
During my sophomore year, I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with my English teacher on a special project - the creation of a courtyard at PHS solely for student use.
The moment this initiative was presented to me, I embraced the chance to assist with fundraising and making this vision a reality. I firmly believe that the courtyard has had a substantial positive impact on my high school’s community, providing a valuable green space for my peers to unwind and enjoy time outdoors. I take immense pride in knowing that my contributions, along with those of my teacher and fellow students, have made a lasting impact on our school community. The courtyard serves as a reminder of the positive changes we can bring about when we unite for a shared cause. The experience of working on this project further solidified my passion for creating green spaces and participating in sustainable initiatives. By combining my dedication to sustainability with my passion for fostering a greener and more inclusive environment, I hope to play a meaningful role in building a brighter and more sustainable future for everyone.
You can see before and after pictures below!
Research
Continuing with my interest in community gardens, I am currently engaged in a research project that focuses on various urban gardens around the world. My primary objective is to compare and analyze international projects, aiming to bring back valuable insights and innovative ideas to our local community gardens. The ultimate goal of this research is to establish a framework for the Princeton Garden Project which can then be officially adopted by the municipality of Princeton. Additionally, this framework could be used as a blueprint for other municipalities interested in creating successful community and urban gardens.
My research was kickstarted by the invitation I received to visit community gardens in different countries and continents. By exploring these various projects, I’ve been able to identify key factors that contribute to their success and sustainability. My intention is to create a comprehensive roadmap that will enable communities to efficiently integrate people and resources for thriving gardens.
The opportunity to visit and study the urban gardens in other countries has resulted in two side projects that I’m deeply enjoying
In collaboration with a Colombian-Italian architect and professor, I’m currently working on connecting the urban project managers in Rome with the town of Iesi, Italy with the goal of developing, among other initiatives, the Iesi Urban Gardens. We met while he was a visiting professor at Princeton University.
I’m working with a community leader in Colombia who helps Venezuelan immigrants create gardens for sustenance. Although she is extremely talented, she needs to supplement her income. We are growing her soap and candle production and marketing it to customers worldwide.
