How Independent Learning Led Me to ITZA

There were a million ways this year could’ve gone. I was in my last year of high school, 17 years old with only really university being my next big chapter. Everyone was all emotional in the last upcoming weeks, taking photos and enjoying the rare Scottish sun. I wasn’t prepared for much else.

I was Geography and Eco Captain, which, as it turns out, became the first domino in the chain of events that eventually led me here, typing this in ITZA’s office. I’d always loved geography and sustainability - it just clicked with me. So when my teacher, Ross, suggested I enter this competition, I decided why not? And just like that, the second domino fell.

I was a bit skeptical at first when reading the details. ITZA’s One Planet Challenge - A chance to attend a conference in Switzerland! And all I had to do was write about saving an endangered animal? I could’ve sworn I’d seen something similar on a scratch card. Whatever keeps Ross pleased I guess. The next few days were spent researching and writing about my chosen species - the Bornean Orangutan. By the time I had finished, I knew the ins and outs of them: their role, threats, and even my own system to protect them. All that was left was to hit submit then get back to graduating. My career with ITZA was over. Enjoy Switzerland winners, whoever you are.

“Dana, check your emails.

-Ross”

I initially assumed he was chasing me up for an overdue project. Or proposing a new one. Or literally anything else. I refreshed my inbox and saw the familiar name, ITZA, had sent me something. A vote of congratulations and a certificate with my name on it. One Planet Challenge Winner 2026, Dana Rennie. It took me a while to read it, and re-read it, then read it again. I actually won. The words were staring at me through the screen. Maybe I should buy a scratch card.

Graduation rolled in, came and left. But I knew I had another journey to follow besides university after the summer. The conference was approaching , and so were the nerves. The hosts of the conference, The Villars Institute, were no joke. They are an organisation full of incredible people from leaders, scientists, tv presenters and everything in between. Their whole ethos is about tackling some of the world’s biggest issues such as climate change, through educating the youth in systems leadership and uniting them with other generations. It’s safe to say the night before was a mixed bag of emotions. I was excited of course, but the nerves were hard to shake.

The next morning I was stood at the airport entrance, waiting for Ross and Cosima - one of the ITZA chaperons. I had never met Cosi beforehand, so I was a little anxious. However, she arrived first and that anxiety quickly vanished as we managed to chat for 20 minutes straight without questioning Ross’ whereabouts (he was stuck in traffic). This was just the start of my many new bonds. Ross arrived shortly after and the three of us were off on a new adventure, where I would meet the other One Planet winners, and friends for life.

The plane landed and suddenly it was more than a competition - I was in the Swiss Alps. You could tell this was my first time visiting; I was glued to the window of the airport. A few other winners were there and we got to chatting and exchanging our own little stories of how we ended up here. The flow of conversation never really stopped, carrying on from the taxi to the hotel, where we met the last few winners. There were 9 of us in total, all from different parts of the world, who just happened to enter the same competition.

Here is where I met Auveen. Auveen, who travelled all the way from Oregon, was just like me: a high school graduate who cared about sustainability and was encouraged to enter by her teacher. From this point onwards we were like a house on fire. I also met the other ITZA chaperon, Natasha, who was another instant bond. The knots in my stomach eased as I realised, I was surrounded by likeminded teenagers.

Honestly, Villars was nothing short of incredible. It was the perfect example of ‘work hard, play hard.’ During the day, there were a series of talks and workshops led by world experts, who were all immensely humble and had a deep adoration for the youth’s voice. By night, it was filled with playing football in the sunset, laughter round the dinner table and playing games in the hotel lobby after dark. Between chatting with Ross, Natasha and Cosima from the ITZA team, up late giggling with Auveen in the hotel room, or the conversations I had with people from around the world did it hit me; maybe I wasn't here by chance, maybe I belong here. This is what I was made to do - use my voice and knowledge to learn about our world and be the fighting chance to save it. ITZA just opened the door.

The last day was bittersweet. We spent it with a few final talks, writing post cards to our future selves and a group hike up the alps. Even the sun was generous enough to let people swim in the lake. It was there where I was chatting with Cosima and Natasha, did the idea of an internship get discussed.

“You’re going to Edinburgh Uni aren’t you?”

That question was where the third and final domino fell. It so happens that ITZA’s office is based in Edinburgh, and they're always looking for new recruits. When we arrived home, Tash brought up the proposal to the CEO, and after some reviewing and phone calls, the greenlight was given. I joined the very company that started it all.

I’m 18 now, and I’ve been with ITZA for a month. I work alongside Cosima, Natasha and other amazing ITZA members everyday, and have been researching new partners, planning out lesson plans and navigating the socials. I’ve also kept in touch with Auveen, and the other Villars online. There were a million ways this year could’ve gone. Somehow, mine went from being a highschooler, to Switzerland, to the ITZA office. I don’t think I could’ve planned it better if I tried. 

I have to give myself some credit, however, as this wasn’t just sheer luck. It was my independence, determination and curiosity to pursue something I cared about, even without knowing where it would lead. If there’s one thing I’d say to anyone reading this, it’s to knock over that first domino - follow what interests you, pursue it, and see where it takes you.

Author: Dana Rennie, Geography student at St. Aloysius College in Glasgow, Scotland.