MAGGIE LYNAS ’19

SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS MAJOR

Baltimore, MD | born & raised

Whether it is on the Sterling College farm, in the classroom or in Guatemala, Maggie Lynas ‘19 is studying the theory and practice of Sustainable Food Systems, her major at Sterling College.

On finding Sterling

Upon finishing an AmeriCorps term with Vermont Youth Conservation Corps in their Food & Farm program, Maggie came to Sterling in January 2018 for the start of the Spring Semester after attending the Autumn Open House. Maggie is a transfer student, and was drawn to Sterling because the College’s “mission and practice align with my values. When I saw this school I knew I would either finish my Bachelor’s degree here or I wouldn’t at all.”

Finding community in the farm & garden

planting garlic on All College Work Day in October

Maggie, who was raised in Baltimore and has lived in North Carolina and Colorado, is passionate about ecological resilience, food sovereignty and people expressing themselves through art. Maggie values the interactions she has with the farm & garden, both as part of class and by volunteering. Last year she was part of the Garden Crew for her Work Program position, and is looking forward to lambing season this spring. Maggie’s current Work Program position is being a Community Advisor (CA) for one of the dorms, a student leadership position.

Faculty connections

in Guatemala

“I really respect all of the faculty & staff here. The teachers care so much about us understanding material,” Maggie said. “I have had three classes with Tony VanWinkle so far and it’s been great working and learning with him both here on campus and during the MesoAmerican Food Sovereignty course in Guatemala.” The MesoAmerican Food Sovereignty class is a two-week intensive offered as part of Sterling’s Global Field Studies program.

Finding a place in winter

When reflecting on beginning her Sterling career in the wintertime, Maggie said “Everyone was very welcoming, and I deeply valued the Winter: A Sense of Place (WASOP) class in terms of orienting myself to a new place & community.” Maggie’s advice to someone arriving to campus in the winter is to “Drink lots of warm drinks, go outside, take breaks and be ready for mud season!”