Here’s an experience you may have had recently: You see a cute guy in the GSU that catches your eye so you leave your essay for a minute to eye-candy follow him. As he puts his food away, you start thinking this may be a tad creepy but then….what? He’s separating his compostables from his recyclables from his trash and smiles as he says thank you to the employee taking dishes away. Total swoon moment. Who doesn’t love a guy who loves recycling?
That guy is Andrew Held, a junior in CAS studying International Relations and Environmental Analysis and Policy. Not only does he love recycling – he’s dedicated his entire future career to protecting the environment and making sure we are taking every possible step toward sustainable energy.
“I’m very passionate about the environment,” he says. “I want to make sure I leave this earth in better condition than it is now.” You can’t say this man doesn’t plan ahead, ladies.
Andrew is currently the President of the on-campus Environmental Student Organization (ESO), which aims to be the general on-campus environmental group through volunteering, advocacy events and educational opportunities. Just last week, Andrew planned and coordinated a panel to discuss the pros and cons of the carbon tax many legislators are trying to implement. Featured on the panel were his all-time favorite professor, Lawford Anderson (whom you probably recognize as the professor walking around with an adorable yellow lab named Max) and a Massachusetts state senator, Michael Barrett.
In addition to leading ESO, Andrew is actively and passionately involved in Global Water Brigades, an on-campus volunteer group that makes trips down to Honduras once a semester to aid in the construction of sustainable water systems for poor rural communities.
“I’m going down to Costa Rica to study abroad next semester and can’t wait to learn more about the issues surrounding these communities and how we can aid them just with volunteer time.”
If the environment-lover wasn’t enough of a hook, this cutie doesn’t mess around with dinner plans. “I’m a simple guy so a simple date is what I look for. She comes over, I cook and we go out to see a movie or a concert.” (Andrew and I have been friends for two years and he makes the best ravioli around.) If you’ve got an eclectic taste in music, Andrew is a total music-lover and is always looking to see his favorite musicians around Boston.
“Right now I’m super into this band called San Fermin. I’d say they’re a mix between The xx, The National, and Beirut… if anybody knows who those bands are,” he laughs.
When he’s not geeking over a West Wing or Newsroom episode, Andrew loves to play around with his guitar and try new sports. “I got super into tennis this summer and this semester I’ve been having a blast practicing with the men’s water polo team.” We love guys who love trying new things!
When he graduates, Andrew is looking to move to Washington D.C. right outside his hometown of Potomac, Maryland and work in international development.
“My dream job is to work for the United States Agency of International Development (USAID),” he says.
We wish you the best of luck, Andrew. We’d clean up the earth with you anytime!