How I found my voice in environmental journalism
It was four years ago when I first began to witness the global environmental situation up close, and it has shaped the course of my life ever since. Now, at 20 years old, I look back on that evening with gratitude. It was a sunny day, and the sky had a warm, yellowish hue. I had been given the opportunity to compere the year-end award ceremony for The Pearl Protectors, a marine conservation organization I had become involved with. The event was on the beach, unlike typical award ceremonies. The sea breeze cooled the evening air, and I could taste the salt on my lips. My hair was messy, but the people around me made me feel comfortable, as if that didn't matter at all. The atmosphere was welcoming, thanks in no small part to Muditha Ayya (Muditha Kaduwawala), the coordinator of Pearl Protectors, who reassured me, saying, "This is a chill event. Just speak like you're talking to your friends. Don’t worry." Despite his calming words, I was nervous, paralyzed by fear. I ...