Terrain V01 - Journal - Page 39
Sterling College | 37
for small communities, to what degree
the Sterling experience inspired passion,
and whether they feel their work is contributing to the greater good.
Sterling graduates report high degrees
of job satisfaction, with 75 percent
working in the fields of their choice.
And 85 percent reported that they are
satisfied with their work, despite the fact
that they aren’t generally highly compensated, versus a national average of
just 51 percent.
Evidenced by data, we can confidently say that our graduates leave with a
greater value for small and rural communities, exhibit a high propensity for civic
engagement, live by example, identify as
environmental stewards, and hold a deep
passion for work that makes a positive
difference. This is made possible thanks
to donors who contribute to Sterling as
a means to invest in positive change in
communities where good work is need-
ed. They understand that the world is in
a better position to tackle the eco- and
social crises facing us when seeded with
Sterling alumni who are able to dedicate
themselves to this important work because they do not carry the burden of
excessive student debt.
Christina Goodwin ‘02 is a
founding member of Sterling’s Alumnx Task Force and
was a member of the Alumnx
Advisory Board prior to her appointment to Sterling College’s
leadership team in May 2018.
Economic growth, gross national product, profitability, and individualistic capital pursuits are not enough for us as a
society to thrive. Each generation that
has chosen Sterling has openly questioned and evaluated what it means to
lead a full and productive life. They care
deeply about the planet and the communities they inhabit, and they seek a
more holistic measure of success and
happiness. When higher ed accepts that
these less tangible benefits of education
are essential and valuable, and pursues
ways to fund education without encumbering students with debt, the promise
of a better future awaits us all.
Previous to her appointment at
Sterling, she was the executive director of a social-capital
housing initiative, co-managed
a project-based experiential
education youth corps program in partnership with the
public school system, provided
leadership and local conservation implementation around
agricultural and urban water
quality, and served as a grant
writer for food access and
security programs.
This piece was originally
published by EdSurge on
August 23, 2021
Photo: Will Freihofer
Photo: Drew Vetere