Global Issues Network is the association in charge of environmental changes in The Columbus School. In the last years, it has experienced drastic changes that are causing controversy within its team members.

GIN was brought to TCS for the first time by Jose Vega, a High School science teacher, in 2014. As Vega is leaving to move back home and spend time with his family, GIN will be feeling the void. Britta Mc Carthy, who is second in charge right now, will replace him.

“When the program starts there is always people that join right away because they hear about the international conference and they want to go, but as the year goes along there are people that are truly motivated.” Said Andrea Fernandez, an 11th-grade student at TCS, and GV leader.

The conferences have been held and attended in a rightful manner, even though a few people just join to show off or travel, Vega is capable to introduce and guide them through the different projects and persuade them to attend the weekly gatherings drawing them in into the idea.

“GIN is going through a confused stage,” said Fernandez.

A similar idea was present by a sophomore in TCS Elena Echavarria, her concern is among the new members on GIN and how it is affecting the work they have to perform in only one meeting per month in comparison to last year were they had one every week. She also expresses how the new teachers need more development, as they are not as experienced.

“I am okay with the new teachers joining, what’s really annoying its like a lot of [students] are joining into GIN so we have a way bigger group than what we can handle, so I think its necessary for the teachers,” said Echavarria.

Despite the confusion due to all the members’ opinion we can see excitement within the teachers.

“I’ve been in GIN for the past two schools I’ve worked for, and it’s still awesome and I like that the kids are so engaged,”Getulio Brasil said, a 9th grade biology teacher. “It’s been really easy here, they are very enthusiastic,” said Brasil.

Brasil has been a part of GIN in previous schools, however a lot of members don’t know that he has that previous training. Vega or Mc Carthy will be in charge of helping Brasil, and other new staff members, with how GIN is implemented at TCS.

“I think he (Brasil) is the one that knows the most about it since he has been on it for a very long time, but I really do think that the other teachers have a good initiative and want to do something good, but they are not listening. What Vega should do is meet with all the teachers and tell them, what it is about,” said Fernandez.

After the great success in the Dominican Republic GIN conference, Vega began the journey of expanding the program. This is why people think that only Vega will be able to fulfil Vegas shoes.

“Yes I guess so, I also have to be confident that we can get it ready for the team that takes over for next year,” said Vega, when asked about GIN’s future after his departure.