TerraCorps Spotlight: Stella Dzialas
Stella Dzialas (she/her) serves as the Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator through Terracorps. She has been with CitySprouts since this past September, and primarily assists with Garden Operations. Find out more about Stella below!
What originally inspired you to get involved in youth garden education?
I care about urban green space and outdoor education! In the past I have had a variety of different jobs related to outdoor recreation and education, as well as helping start a community garden at my university. Working in youth garden education is right up my alley.
What’s one important skill you believe gardening teaches kids that they can use outside the garden?
Learning about gardening cultivates a deeper understanding of the environment and food systems. Particularly when growing up in an urban setting, there can be a disconnect between the food in the grocery store and the labor that goes into creating it. Through garden education, kids can bridge this gap and develop gratitude for the natural world.
How do you envision the future of youth garden education in urban schools, and what are your goals for its growth?
I see a world in which every urban school has a beautiful and functional garden space that every child is able to use. Just as all schools have physical education and PE teachers, I would love for outdoor education to be prioritized until every school has a dedicated, full-time outdoor educator.
Who is Stella outside of CitySprouts?
If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
Me Gustas Tu by Manu Chao
What’s one item on your bucket list that you’re determined to check off soon?
I’ve always wanted to do a longer (>1 month) thru hike.
What’s the strangest food combination you secretly love?
I often make breakfast foods that are typically sweet into savory dishes.
Stella’s Favorites
Favorite food? - Good bread
Go-to comfort snack? - Anything with chocolate
Favorite season? - Summer
Favorite type of music? - Trip hop & reggae