Something That Happened
Nissa Coit Nissa Coit

Something That Happened

Even as I failed to notice the rate the water was rising, the scenes became weirder. The yard now had a current. Car alarms were sounding in the distance. Fire trucks driving through the water created huge wakes. Sitting on the dock that was once my front porch, I was literally splashed with a moment of clarity at the severity of the situation when the waves created by the passing truck sent a ripple of water over my head, drenching my pajamas. The toilet and tub began uttering foreboding, ominous gurgles. 

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The Weight of Water: Part Three
Nicole Civita Nicole Civita

The Weight of Water: Part Three

Experiencing a water crisis is not something that most colleges would highlight on their blog or promote on social media. But Sterling isn’t like all the others. We don’t see the value in obscuring our very real experience of living on a planet that has been deeply wounded by shortsighted actions.

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The Weight of Water: Part Two
Nicole Civita Nicole Civita

The Weight of Water: Part Two

The first truckload of state-funded bottled water arrived from Vermont Heritage, a regulated and approved provider which bottles spring water at the source near the international border about 30 miles north of the our campus, in January 2022. 

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The Weight of Water: Part One
Nicole Civita Nicole Civita

The Weight of Water: Part One

In December 2021, routine mandatory quality testing had indicated and confirmed that the primary well from which our water is pumped had 23ng/L of the five PFAS substances that Vermont regulates, exceeding the 20ng/L maximum contaminant level. Though this was just a little over the limit – a very precautionary limit that the State of Vermont set at a level intended to protect infants and nursing mothers exposure – it required the public water system that serves Sterling to issue a “Do Not Drink Order” for PFAS contamination.

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3 Reasons Not to Go to College
Tim Patterson Tim Patterson

3 Reasons Not to Go to College

In today's landscape, it's hard to escape the prevailing message directed at high-school seniors: "You must go to college." The persistent chorus of voices advocating for college enrollment can feel overwhelming, matched only by the relentless marketing efforts of colleges and universities. Students find themselves bombarded with glossy brochures, persuasive letters from deans, email campaigns, meticulously crafted ads on social media, and even text messages and phone calls from enthusiastic admission counselors (or, let's be honest, college sales representatives).

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Queering Nature Writing: Speaking to the Trees and How We Talk About the World
Ollie Quinn Ollie Quinn

Queering Nature Writing: Speaking to the Trees and How We Talk About the World

Etymology of the word queer traces back to the early 1500’s, meaning something off center. Planet Earth itself spins not straight up but on a tilt, off center. We are sitting on a queer spinning planet. A planet which contains shifting beings who don’t follow set rules. These creatures could not survive without the shifts they undergo. Elements of earth that don’t seem alive also shift. The morning sky must rest and to make space for the night. The tide shifts throughout the day.

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Mastering the Rapids: Eleven Essential Preparations for Whitewater Canoeing Instructors
Adrian Owens Adrian Owens

Mastering the Rapids: Eleven Essential Preparations for Whitewater Canoeing Instructors

The whitewater canoeing season in Vermont is brief, beginning in late March when the rivers shed their icy cover and continuing until the end of April, when flow levels diminish as trees and plants awaken and draw water from the soil. To fully capitalize on the naturally flowing rivers, it is crucial to prepare in advance. While my advice stems from my experience as a class instructor, it is applicable to anyone gearing up for spring paddling adventures.

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Why Climate Literacy: Doesn’t Everybody Already Know About ‘Climate Change’?
Dr. Heather Short Dr. Heather Short

Why Climate Literacy: Doesn’t Everybody Already Know About ‘Climate Change’?

1) Shut down the fossil fuel industry immediately; 2) Create an extensive social safety-net that includes guaranteed income and housing so that no one is left behind during the massive economic transition that will result from #1; and 3) Educate everyone (including decision-makers and teachers) about why #1 and #2 need to happen, through a far-reaching climate literacy campaign.

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Joyfully Queer: 12 Essential Insights on LGBTQ+ Life at Sterling College
Favor Ellis Favor Ellis

Joyfully Queer: 12 Essential Insights on LGBTQ+ Life at Sterling College

Sterling College is a place where love knows no bounds, and where everyone's unique journey is celebrated. Our campus radiates with inclusivity, understanding, and a vibrant kaleidoscope of identities. Let's come together, amplify queer voices, and create a space where everyone feels safe, seen, and empowered. This month and always, we proudly celebrate love, authenticity, and the beautiful spectrum of human expression available to each of us.

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