Changing the world for good

Shery Rose Quieng ‘18 | Scholar

Ask a child what they want to become when they grow up, and they most probably won’t tell you something like, “a career founded on environmental protection and social work”.

But Shery has always had a thing for the unconventional.

Engrossed in natural sciences and problem-solving, she wanted to become an engineer, although there was another dilemma. In her home country, the Philippines, options were limited – there were only chemical, mechanical or other traditional forms of engineering.

Then came the SJI International Scholarship.

“My somewhat finite horizon widened when I received the scholarship to study at SJII. I encountered a new education system, several new people, and experienced different cultures. In this school, every student is empowered and taught to dream big and sail far while bearing integrity and service in mind. Hence, here I am in France, studying food sustainability engineering,” Shery shares.

With the adverse effects of climate change being more visible these days, sustainability has become more than just a buzzword. But what is it, really, and why was it so significant for Shery that she decided to choose this path?

The United Nations defines sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

“The world population is ever-increasing, and resources are diminishing. The only way to secure the future of our incoming generations is to replace our current linear economic model – one which exploits natural resources and generates too much waste – with a more sustainable, circular approach,” she thoughtfully says.

After two years of studying and undertaking various research, Shery believes that our choices as consumers make a significant impact on our environment.

“I hope that each of us would choose a more sustainable diet for the sake of our eight-billion population and the environment. On that note, I dare say that countries must educate their citizens about sustainability as a compelling strategy to mitigate climate change while pursuing social and economic advancement.”

For someone so concerned with the most pressing problem in the world today, Shery does take breaks.

“Dancing and learning about other cultures through travelling and meeting other people are what I revel in most during my free time. The latter was also one of the factors why I decided to study in France.”

Despite the challenges of being away from home, amid a pandemic no less, she presses on.

“The amount of growth I have undergone and the insights I have obtained make it all worthwhile,” she adds.

When you’re working to change the world for good, it will all be worthwhile.

“The only way to secure the future of our incoming generations is to replace our current linear economic model – one which exploits natural resources and generates too much waste – with a more sustainable, circular approach.”