Our Environment: Fight for What You Love

By Tony Passino, June 22, 2023

Tony Passino, CTC National Climate Fellow, takes some time to reflect and reconnect with nature during his incredible journey hiking the Appalachian Trail!

It's raining, and I am in a tent four miles outside of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, on the Appalachian Trail. For the past nine days, I have been hiking the trail with my partner, Olivia. This is both of our first times backpacking long distance.

The sound of the raindrops hitting the tent reminds me of my childhood. I grew up with dirt on my feet, and I cherished camping with my family. It wouldn't surprise anyone who knows me, but I love nature, plain and simple. I have, since I was a little boy, and I will continue to love nature for as long as I live.

Tony Passino and his partner Olivia.

As an advocate, I fight for the things that I care about. I fight for my friends, I fight for my family, I fight for Olivia. Advocacy entails a deep love for whatever it is that you are fighting for. I am an advocate for nature, and I want to be part of the solution to our ecological crisis.

Tomorrow morning, I'm going to wake up. I will put on my wet shoes and break down my tent. If I'm lucky, the sun will shine, giving new life to the flowers. I will continue my journey both on the trail and as an environmental change maker.

I want to end this post and ask you to consider... what is it that you care about. What do you love? What are you willing to fight for?

Change The Chamber is a bipartisan coalition of over 100 student groups, including undergraduates, graduate students and recent graduates.