Model G20 Exceptional Delegate Series: Nadia M. (Cohort C, Russia, Minister of Energy)

Nadia’s a lot of things: philosophy nut (her favorite subject in school); vice president of her local Rotary Interact chapter (an international organization that, among other heavenly music-generating operations, promotes world peace, fights disease, and grows local economies); and helping hand at her town’s food pantry. She now adds to her All-Around Great Kid Résumé her recent acknowledgment as one of only a handful of Summiters to walk away with an Exceptional Delegate letter pinned to her chest.

She’s never read Harry Potter (phew, thought I was the only one…), and her favorite color is orange because “it’s happy!” (You know, Frank Sinatra loved orange for exactly that reason? You two must be onto something…)

Give Nadia a round of applause, and your eyes to this post-Summit interview!
Justine Hudock: GIVE US THE RUNDOWN! What’s your name, where are you from, what year are you in school… and what’s a silly, fun fact about you?

Nadia M.: I’m Nadia Makuc from Monterey, Massachusetts, USA and I’m a High School Students. For a fun fact, I always wear mismatched socks (consistent inconsistency!)

JH: How did you become interested/involved in climate change and sustainability?

NM: I think in this generation and this time in history it’s impossible to ignore climate change. Especially when thinking about the future, I know that I need to take sustainability seriously now.

JH: How does sustainability influence your decisions? To what extent does your interest in climate change inform your goals (perhaps for a future career, or simply in how you purchase/consume/behave) or who you are as a person?

NM: I try to be aware of sustainability in regard to my immediate environment by taking care of the place I live by appreciating the beauty, picking up litter, and using its resources appropriately when gardening and doing yard work. I know that climate change will have effects we can’t even predict right now, so the plan that my future will be uncertain.

JH: What advice do you have for other students who may be interested in following a similar path toward environmental friendliness and mindfulness?

NM: Know that there’s only so much one person can do, but there are things to do. Try to keep a wide perspective on the issue and listen to different sources. Most of all, keep hope!

JH: What were some key takeaways from your experience at the Climate Change summit?

NM: There are so many different approaches and ideas regarding the same issue, and it’s worth the time to consider them all. The more they are talked about, the better the ideas become!

JH: What was your favorite part about the Summit? Ex., friends made, connecting to other kids around the world, the speakers…? Explain, please!

NM: I loved getting to know people from all around the world. It was so interesting to see our differences and our similarities in thoughts and customs.

JH: What do you do for other extracurriculars? Anything from academic-based stuff, to sports, or other recreational fun!

NM: I ride horses and like to spend time outside (now in the winter, it’s skiing and skating!) I also play volleyball and tennis. A big interest of mine is aquaponics, which is a form of sustainable agriculture.