As part of this winter’s Academic English Workshop Series, ELI Lecturer Trisha Dowling and SEAS graduate student Ryan Yip offered a special two-part workshop in celebration of LSA’s Year of Sustainability extended theme semester. In the first part, held indoors, participants learned and practiced language for engaging in conversations about topics like the environment, sustainability, and carbon neutrality.

On Saturday, April 19, 24 students reconvened for Part 2: A nature walk in Nichols Arboretum (the Arb). Participants spent 45 minutes walking together, guided by Trisha and Ryan, before branching off for independent exploration. Icebreakers and plant identification tasks added a layer of interaction and learning to the experience.

“The Arb walk happened at the perfect time of year” says Trisha. “The signs of Spring were budding after a long winter semester. I hope that this experience encourages students to visit local parks in every season to take a mental health break, breathe some fresh air, and see more of what Ann Arbor has to offer.”

“Besides spreading awareness about environmental sustainability and climate action on and off campus, what I find even more meaningful is hearing people’s personal stories,” says Ryan. “I’m also glad to hear that some folks recognized me during the Arb walk—I was a student volunteer for an ELI class Trisha co-taught last semester. It’s always great meeting new people and reconnecting with familiar faces, especially as I get ready to graduate in May.”

Congratulations, Ryan! Look out for this and other English workshops in Fall 2025!

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