Local middle school student writes winning op-ed in Brown University’s Environmental Explorers program
JANS – Editor’s Note: Chloe McDougal, a Florence Middle School student in the Rankin County School District, recently completed Brown University’s Environmental Explorers School. For the “Writing and Opinion Editorial” module, enrolled students learned how to write an opinion piece and were tasked with writing their own op-ed, focusing on an issue meaningful to them. Chloe’s focused on illegal dumping and trash pick-up. Her essay was chosen as the best essay and is being published exclusively at the Jackson Advocate.
If you are a parent of a middle school student and would like to enroll your child in the Environmental Explorers School, please contact Dr. Erica Walker at erica_walker@brown.edu. The Environmental Explorers School is an online summer course that covers topics from air and water quality to noise pollution and public transportation. The curriculum includes short video lectures, quizzes, and hands-on community activities designed to help students connect their learning to their neighborhoods. The goal is to introduce young students to the world of public health, particularly focusing on environmental health.
Chloe’s Essay
In a time when our communities face growing environmental, social, and mental health challenges, volunteering in parks and recreation offers a simple yet transformative solution. Participating in park clean-ups isn’t just about removing trash – it’s about restoring our shared spaces, strengthening bonds between neighbors, and fostering a deeper connection to the world around us.
When I first joined a local park clean-up crew, I had no idea how impactful it would be. What started as a small effort to give back quickly turned into something much more meaningful. We picked up litter, cleared overgrown trails, and planted native flowers and trees. With every bag of trash filled and every plant rooted in the soil, I felt a stronger sense of purpose and belonging. It was hard work – sometimes exhausting – but knowing that I was helping protect and preserve a space where families gather, kids play, and seniors walk brought me a deep sense of pride. That park wasn’t just a piece of land; it became a symbol of what community care can look like in action.
Volunteering like this promotes not just environmental cleanliness, but also a culture of respect and stewardship. It shows others that public spaces are worth protecting. It sends a message: this space matters, and so do the people who use it. Studies have consistently shown that access to clean, green areas improves physical health, reduces stress, and boosts mental well-being – especially for people in underserved or densely populated areas who may lack other recreational resources.
But the impact of volunteering goes beyond the park. It builds character. It teaches patience, leadership, and the value of teamwork. These are life skills that stretch into school, work, and personal relationships. For young people, it’s also a chance to earn service hours, gain experience for college or job applications, and take pride in doing something that leaves a lasting mark. For adults, it’s a reminder that no action is too small when it comes to caring for our communities.
Park clean-ups also foster meaningful connections – between strangers, between neighbors, and between generations. I’ve met people of all ages and backgrounds working toward a shared goal. There’s something powerful about standing side by side with others, getting your hands dirty, and seeing immediate results. It reminds us that community isn’t just a word – it’s something we build, together.
In the end, park volunteering isn’t just about cleaning up our environment. It’s about healing what’s broken, growing something better, and reclaiming pride in the spaces we all share. It’s about showing up – for nature, for one another, and for the future we want to create.
