December 25, 2023
Empowering Change With Cherry Sung
"Being inspired is really important as it keeps you going and keeps your passion alive."
In a recent interview, I had the privilege of conversing with Cherry, a remarkable individual whose impact extends across environmental activism, education, and global representation. This article seeks to share insights into Cherry's inspiring journey, exploring the motivations, experiences, and passion that drive her to make a positive impact on the world.
Jihyeon Or, also known as Cherry Sung, is a 17-year-old South Korean youth leader and environmental activist. She is the founder and Executive Director of Greener is Cleaner organization, winning awards like RISE Global '23, Youth Leads Award '21, International Young Eco Hero '21, and Social Global Leader '20.
At the tender age of 12, Cherry faced the daunting reality of an eating disorder, a battle that became the catalyst for her transformative journey. During her recovery, she discovered new hobbies, each playing a vital role in reshaping her perspective. Among these newfound interests was an unexpected passion that would become a cornerstone of her life.
During this period, Cherry embarked on a journey of self-discovery, seeking solace in newfound hobbies as part of her recovery from anorexia. It was during this process that she stumbled upon a passion for environmental issues, a discovery that changed her life by starting an organization nationally and then going to international levels.
At the start of her journey, she felt alone; that's why she wanted to help aspiring other kids to start off their journey.
Greener Is Cleaner, with its reach extending across five continents—Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, and Australia— and spanning 41 countries, stands as a testament to the power of collective action for environmental change.
In the digital age, the participants of Greener Is Cleaner connect online, collaborating and organizing events that promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices. The virtual landscape provides a platform for shared ideas, initiatives, and a unified effort towards a greener future.
Witnessing Cherry's remarkable contributions and leadership during the Asia Youth International MUN served as a catalyst for my admiration.
In our interview, I seized the opportunity to ask Cherry about her experiences with Model United Nations and how participating in MUNs has played a crucial role in her journey. Her response illuminated the significance of these conferences in fostering leadership skills, global awareness, and the power of effective advocacy.
Cherry shared how participating in MUNs has been instrumental in shaping her journey. It provides understanding global issues from diverse perspectives and cultivating a deep appreciation for diplomatic negotiation. According to her, MUNs help one learn negotiation and how one can advocate their points and it’s a great chance to build global networks.
She started Chadwick International Sustainability (CIS) Council before joining the school. CIS accommodates different sustainability practices at school, such as waste separation, checking energy and water consumption, investigating ways to use renewable energy like solar panels, and initiating beach cleanups, also inviting other schools to do the same and creating a sustainability school network.
Cherry, as the head of the Sustainability Council at her school, initiated the ECO School Symposium, a transformative event that brought together 11 schools from South Korea. Being the first school in the country to achieve Eco School Certification, Cherry aimed to share sustainability practices.
The symposium served as a collaborative platform where schools learned about fostering sustainability. Cherry invited organizations, companies, and clubs with notable sustainability initiatives to share experiences. The event showcased Cherry's commitment to creating a more sustainable future at a local level through dynamic knowledge exchange and community-driven initiatives.
Cherry's violin journey since age 8 has evolved into a powerful force for good. Engaging with professionals, participating in orchestras for orphans, and community services, her musical passion becomes a fundraising avenue. Monthly donations to Greenpeace Korea showcase the seamless integration of her musical talent with a commitment to social and environmental causes.
Cherry attributes her stress management skills to the early days of founding Greener Is Cleaner at age 12. Daily to-do lists have become her organizational staple, providing structure to her varied responsibilities. Drawing inspiration from others' impactful work, she navigates stress through positive peer pressure, continually questioning and inspiring herself to do more.
In Cherry's words, "If you are working for a sustainability goal, your journey also has to be sustainable and long-lasting. Whenever there are obstacles, don't give up, and continue taking action." Additionally, she emphasizes that while her story might seem like a blueprint for a changemaker, everyone has their own goals, not necessarily environment-related—everyone has their own passions.
Cherry's journey is a testament to the potential for positive change that lies within each individual, encouraging us all to pursue our passions and make a lasting impact on the world.
-Written by Tanisha Pal