Irvin Corona Aquino
BARS Abstract
Re-envisioning the community college system as a forest.
What if my community college was a forest? A forest, known as the lungs of the planet, exists to benefit the ecosystem, playing a crucial role in the well-being of society. Extending this concept to a community college involves fostering an environment of learning, growth, and collaboration, mirroring the diverse ecosystem of a forest. Similar to a forest, a school should be a place where students have opportunities for learning and growth in an enriching environment.
A healthy school, similar to a thriving forest, provides opportunities for collaborative learning spaces that foster community engagement and promote student life. This extends to enhanced learning in the classroom, focusing on interdisciplinary studies, hands-on projects, and real-world applications. This research reframes the community college system as a fully functioning ecosystem incorporating concepts such as biomimicry and ecology.
In conclusion, for schools, especially community colleges where the average student stay is not more than three years, it is crucial for all aspects of the institution, including different departments, to work in harmony to produce the most benefit for the students. Ultimately, this benefits society, in the same way, a forest contributes to the environment.
