Jayna Milan's blog

In the dead heat of summer, Natalie Pearlman, a UW senior studying molecular biology, found herself standing along the Missouri River surrounded by buffalo and fireflies. She watched as the sun slowly dipped below the wildflowers and distant rolling hills, the deep pink sunburn and itchy bug bites that covered her body quickly fading from her mind. Sitting beside her were five other college students and two professors who were all from various universities across the U.S.

If you're scrambling for last-minute gift ideas, don't forget to think of the larger picture. Here are a few ways to shop sustainably this holiday season. 

Guest post by Sustainability Game Jam organizer Lauren Kuehne.

Three math professors who always wanted to try building a game but never had the time. A graphic designer thinking about taking a digital game design program next year. A graduate student in statistics who is passionate about sustainable river management. These are just a few of the stories of the people who participated in the UW Sustainability Game Jam on Nov. 11-12. Their mission: to design a game that engaged a wider community on a topic or concept related to sustainability – all in one weekend.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, a sudden chill in the air, and what I assume to be new Christmas bells decked on top of Kane, the holiday season is officially in full swing! For many, this is the time of the year to take advantage of Black Friday’s low prices and stock up on the household items, christmas gifts, and miscellaneous objects you never knew you needed (until now!) For others, 'tis the season to "opt-out".

Hey there!

My name’s Jayna Milan and I’ll be helping out the sustainability team as the Communication Intern for this school year! I was born in Malaysia and grew up in Thailand at an international school, and am now a junior studying business with an focus in marketing. I’m incredibly excited to join the team and have the opportunity to highlight student projects across campus and be part of a community that not only cares about the environment, but will work hard to include everyone in the conversation.

Take a big breath and sit back, midterm season is finally over!

Perhaps it's just me, but I often get overwhelmed by the sheer number of events and activities there are to do on campus. It's a double-edged sword as there are so many fascinating speakers, seminars, and fairs to attend, but it's hard to narrow down exactly which ones to pay attention to from the never-ending list.