Allen Flaa

Being an avid hiker, Allen used the time during the pandemic to explore the trails and meditate on his situation. He enjoyed retail work on a surface-level, but it didn’t resonate with his deeper values. He was financially stable, but that could not justify the unhealthy workplace culture he experienced. The abundant beauty and diversity he saw in nature mirrored that of the human experience and he recognized the two as inextricably intertwined… and under threat. He decided to pursue a profession which would allow him to make a positive impact in society through conservation and protection of the natural world. Using a Washington State plant guide, Allen had taken it upon himself to learn about the region’s flora on his hikes. He realized that learning is the key. So, he sought out an education aligned with his passion for human and environmental justice. He found it in the Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Practices (BASSP) program at Cascadia College, which blends coursework in natural sciences, environmental studies, social sciences, management, and technology. With this unique program and a campus rated #1 in the nation by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education for sustainable grounds which include a nationally awarded campus Food Forest, the match was undeniable. 

During his time as a BASSP student, Allen faced personal challenges and stressors including a lack of self-confidence he described as “imposter syndrome,” and other issues related to mental and emotional well-being. He sought counseling and therapy  and received lots of love and support from his husband who Allen says, “encouraged me every step of the way, even when I was doubting myself.” Allen believes that he benefitted from the structure, networking and internship opportunities, sharing of different perspectives and experiences, and the passion of his teachers, as well as the post-graduation support offered through the program. He is grateful for the guidance and assistance of BASSP instructors and advisors, specifically Stephan Classen, John Van Leer, and Chris Byrne, as well as Shawna Pitts, Director of Facilities & Capital Projects where Allen served as a part-time employee. As a recipient of the Biella Foundation Scholarship, Allen is also grateful to Cascadia College Foundation for providing that financial support. 

Allen wants to make sustainability more accessible through education, changing the popular sentiment from “there’s nothing I can do” to “what can I do?” Allen intends to stay connected with the BASSP program and help it thrive, increasing awareness and support for the program and better incorporating its values in the institution, in the community, and beyond.