GIN founder, Jose Vega, is leaving next year. He still has a few concerns about how the program will be sustained with his absence.  

During the years Jose Vega has been in The Columbus School, he has taken GIN not only as an extracurricular but as a way to engage students and form them to worry about the environment.

“Yes I am concerned about what will happen to GIN as I leave; however, I have to keep a positive attitude that the program will continue with the bases and pillars were founded it,” J. Vega said.

Even though Vega and his family are leaving that doesn’t mean he is leaving GIN behind; he is planning on taking his innovative ideas to this new school that hopes have the same ideals and motivation as the TCS members.

“Mr. Vega wants to continue doing a lot of work that he was able to do here. One of the things he has told me is that he wants to find a school where the students are eager to make changes like you guys, and wants to find a school where they have support from the school such as teachers, being his priority.” said Bianca Vega middle school principal and Jose Vega’s wife.

J.Vega is sure that with the help of his GIN members which he is leaving behind with the care of Britta McCarthy. Since day one the students have been anxious to make changes and dedicated to their work and would not like to lose this program that has done so much for TCS.   

“We hope that Britta will stay next year, and continues working in it. And even if Britta were to leave we are confident that a teacher will step up, and Mr. Vega is looking to make sure that a teacher that can help, for example ‘La Mona’ [Luz Miriam Arango] has been a part of GIN for a long time and social responsibilities.” B.Vega said.

These teachers and students will protect the program and have positive attitude, giving J.Vega a relive that his work will be honoured.

“One of the things about good leadership is that even if you leave you make sure something continues, that it becomes part of the culture. Mr. Vega feels that even though he leaves he has enough student interest that will keep going,” B.Vega said.