Its time for another intern profile which showcases one of our amazing interns. This week I asked Alex Bettam to answer some questions about himself and his time here at Nourish the Planet. Alex is a construction management intern who has done some AWESOME work getting our greenhouses looking presentable. He is a talented builder and is always reliable and trustworthy. We are so lucky to have him as part of our team!

When did you first become interested in sustainability?

I first became interested during childhood. With my family being internationally immigrated, I became more aware of global issues at a young age, and my perception of the world and my place within it was affected. I also became aware of the planet as whole and not individual countries

What are the most interesting/important things that you’ve learned since being an intern at Nourish the Planet?

I have enjoyed learning about sustainable agriculture in general. I am a construction management major [at CSU] so I am new to botany and aquatic biology. I am also learning how to build with new materials and under different conditions. Greenhouses pose water and temperature change issues.

How do you incorporate sustainability into your life?

I am handy individual with tools and good problem solving skills. I am constantly repairing items instead of buying new and fabricating fixes from recycled material.

What do you want to see change in the world in the next 10 years?

I want to see a reduction in the corporate marketplace for such things as food and specialty retail.  I would also like to see the consumers’ perception on quantity over quality change.

What are your goals for the future?

I want to be able to provide permanent structures to enhance the lives of local communities. I want to give people the opportunities to educate their children, seek medical help, travel, and communicate by building necessary infrastructure.

 If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Hit the ground running, because time is flying.

What is the number one place that you would like to travel to?

I would love to see any of the ancient structures on the planet. The Great Wall of China, the pyramids of Egypt and Central America would all be dream vacations.

What was your new years resolution? (and how is it going so far?)

My resolution was to stop smoking cigarettes and I am succeeding.

When you are feeling unmotivated, how do inspire yourself?

I think of the less fortunate, and consider my life to be an opportunity they will never get. This inspires me to not waste my thoughts on trivial things.

What do you wish you were better at?

I want to advance my organizational skills and become less of a procrastinator.

Name one thing that you could not live without?

I could not live without a purpose and/or a dream. If I had no motivation to advance myself, I would feel lost.

 

Thank you Alex for all that you have done for us!