Anna Gibson

Hello! My name is Anna Gibson, and I am from Charlottesville, VA. I attended a small, private school called St. Anne's-Belfield School from Pre-K through high school (with the exception of my 11th grade spring semester which I spent at the High Mountain Institute in Leadville, CO). Growing up with a stone-mason, naturalist father and a "go play outside" childhood culture, I have developed a deep connection to the natural world and, over the years, have become very passionate about environmental issues. Additionally, the influence of my philanthropist mother has allowed me to discover my passion for social justice. As I have realized that the functions of society often imitate the laws of nature, that everything is connected to everything else in some way, I have been especially drawn to the cross-sections between environmental and social injustices; the unfair treatment of immigrant farm workers on industrialized farms is one example, the cancer caused in low-income families forced to live next to plastic-processing plants is another. My mother, who taught the subject before beginning her life of philanthropy, also catalyzed my love for English. She inspired me outside of the classroom by talking with me about books I read and helping me work through my own writing. The ultimate moment of excitement in this realm of literacy was the day I met Wendell Berry, one of my heroes, after writing him a letter asking for a conversation with him as part of an independent study I completed in high school. His constant quest for truth unites these two passions of mine, bettering the world and beautiful language, as he uses both the natural world/agricultural practice and the great books to support his thinking. Due to Berry's inspiration, I hope to use my body and mind, through farming and writing, to make strides towards a healthier population and a healthier earth.