Paging Into A New Chapter

Nyshawn Robinson

September 2025

Bioblitz Outing Event. Photo credit: Nyshawn Robinson

I am no writer, but I will do my best to tell you about my amazing internship with the Sierra Club Connecticut Chapter.

This was my first real internship outside of high school, so I didn’t know what to expect. Despite a lingering fear of the unknowns about the internship, I entered with an open mind, my eagerness to learn, and a willingness to improve.

I gained the opportunity to be with the Sierra Club from the Hartford Promise Foundation. Sivan Hines, the President of the Hartford Promise, connected me with Samantha Dynowski, the state director of the Sierra Club Connecticut Chapter, and from there it was just a steady climb. Samantha and I worked on various projects throughout the summer, which provided me with insight and knowledge into the work that takes place at an environmental non-profit.

What I found through this internship is that the Sierra Club has numerous things it accomplishes, especially for the Connecticut Chapter. I like to summarize it down into these big three areas: P.A.C. — Protect, Advocate, and Connect.

Samantha made it her job to introduce me to everything the Sierra Club Connecticut Chapter had to offer, and in the presence of hearing her ideas, I knew I was able to utilize my skills, talent, and creativity to work on environmental challenges that the Sierra Club tackles.

From beginning to end, Samantha made sure networking was a key thing I did; even if I didn't know who to talk to, she would help make the first steps towards gaining a strong connection.

Hartford Promise Class of 2023 Award Ceremony Photo credit: Hartford Promise Team

The internship had an interesting start. The second day as an intern, I found myself at a bill signing with Governor Ned Lamont. The Governor signed two climate bills into law: House Bill 5004 and Senate Bill 9. This was important because it was the first time being in the State Capitol, and there were so many important individuals.

Bill signing with Governor Ned Lamont at the State Capitol. Photo credit: Nyshawn Robinson

I also attended a press conference where I met U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro on World Conservation Day. She shared thoughts on preserving the environment for the next generation, as well as raising issues on President Trump's assault on programs and policies that protect our health and environment. Bill H.R.1 takes 405 trillion dollars and provides those funds to billionaires and corporations, cuts health care for 17 million Americans, and revokes programs that are designed to fight climate change, like the methane emissions program.

After the press conferences, Rosa DeLauro said that the youth are the hopes and pillars of this nation, and that my future is bright. This made me feel appreciated and assured to push forward regardless of the number of challenges we face today.

I attended meetings with decision makers and volunteers online. I was engaged with The Active Voice, led by Christine Palm, which aims to empower the voices of young environmentalists towards change for a better future and environment.

Panel on Environmental Justice. Photo credit: Samantha Dynowski

I aspire to be an environmental scientist and am entering my junior year at UConn Storrs. The Sierra Club provided me with the resources and opportunities to develop new skills and knowledge to excel in this endeavor. Some of the tasks I worked on throughout the summer included data analysis, tabling, taking pictures, and creating videos. I did a lot of editing and creating social media posts. One example of this work was making a call for action post asking people to contact Governor Lamont. This campaign was a way for the Governor to hear the voices of the people who are hurt and concerned, and also as a way to urge him to end the use of fossil fuels for the Capitol Area System and transition to a 100% clean and renewable alternative.

My most memorable part was being at the many different outings that were introduced to me by Alyica Jenkins, Christine Feely, and Stephen Lewis. It was because of these walks that I learned about biodiversity loss, invasive species, and native and non-native plants. I learned about how healthy ecosystems aid in supplying clean air and water. During my outings, I also learned about new tools, like the Merlin Bird ID app, which identifies birds by their sound, and the iNaturalist app, which I now use on a day-to-day basis to make observations on different organisms.

Bioblitz Outing Event. Photo credit: Julianna Larue

A takeaway that I found highly beneficial at the Sierra Club was “shadowing”. I was able to shadow the director and learn about what tasks and roles you need to be involved in for success. I learned that our volunteers and supporters are key to success and sustainability.

All in all, my journey in these short eight weeks has been great. I am truly sad it is coming to an end. I did many amazing things that I wish the next intern gets to experience.

I want to thank everyone in the Sierra Club who helped me along the way. I want to give a shout-out to everyone I gained connections with. I look forward to what the future holds. This is the end of the beginning, in hopes of meeting again.

Nyshawn Robinson is a student at UCONN and interned at Sierra Club Connecticut this summer.