Ashna Babani, 2025

Green Bronx Machine: Student Experiences

I honestly had no expectations and this ended up being more than anything I could’ve ever imagined.

Stephen Ritz is just an incredible human being and I am honestly honoured that he hosted us and I got the chance to spend so much time with and learn so much from! He has some next level energy and passion and I am so inspired. The work he and Lizette have been doing is so amazing, at times it did leave me speechless. The way they have changed so much in the Bronx area is just so fascinating. The way they got hydroponics not only into schools but also in their curriculums is simply great. The detailing of it was something to learn from. I ended up feeling emotional at times too just to see how great the impact is.

I am truly so excited to see these children grow up into such amazing human beings and I am waiting to see the impact of this small input in their lives. I truly believe they will turn out to be people who are patient, value health, good nutrition and will reduce food waste.

I also got the opportunity to meet other people from such diverse backgrounds and we as a group have had such enriching conversations. Takeaways and connections that I will have for life. All my interactions also made me self reflect on who I am and how I present myself. I think it was very helpful to spend so many days together, live in the same hotel, to be commuting together to just get to know each other so much. 

I did get back with all smiles, a happy heart and a lot of inspiration.