Getting to Know Team OC

29 Sep Getting to Know Team OC

Author: Alexandra Sidun

My intrigue with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon was sparked when I visited the Orange County Great Park, in Irvine CA, in October 2013 to see the U.S. DOE’s 6th Solar Decathlon.  Shortly after arriving at the Solar Village and stepping off of Chapman University’s shuttle, I could already feel the buzzing energy, the high-stakes, and the excitement as students, like myself, from all over the world had gathered in a competition meant to revolutionize and inspire change in the way we live our lives in modern society.  The Solar Decathlon is also intended to alter the perspective of attendees in their way of thinking and motivate more thoughtful decision making from consumers who have traveled far and wide to attend and learn more about this modern, elite, competition.

Although I didn’t move to Honolulu, Hawaii until I was six, I consider it my hometown and am grateful for the years of my life I’ve spent there.  Hawaii is an exquisite place surrounded by natural beauty and has a plethora of outdoor activities that people travel thousands of miles to experience and see.  Growing up in Hawaii, it was common to hear the phrase “Malama ‘Aina,” meaning “to care for the land.”  The center of Hawaiian culture revolves around this idea of caring for the land and living in the balance with nature, rather than using it as an expendable resource to fulfill human needs.  My love for the ocean, the outdoors, and experiencing all of the beauty that Hawaii has to offer, coupled with my curiosity and love for science, pushed me to becoming an Environmental Science and Policy major.

Shortly after hearing that Chapman University was selected and approved to be a part of Team Orange County, I knew I would join Team OC and aid their efforts as they strive towards victory in the 2015 Solar Decathlon.  It seemed too good to be true; this rare, once in a lifetime opportunity to participate in this international collegiate competition centered on sustainability and innovation, seemingly fell into my lap.

Since the spring of 2014, I have been involved in Team Orange County’s efforts, helping in various work groups from graphic and interior design, to communications, and more recently with home life and construction.  This experience has taken me through ups, downs, and everything in between.  I am here to say that I am more than thankful for such an experience and a rare opportunity, and I’m proud to be part of Team Orange County.