You can make a difference: that was the message from panellists at the Sustainable Development Symposium hosted by CedarBridge Academy’s Social Studies Department, according to a Government press release.Social Studies teachers, in conjunction with the Department of Sustainable Development, hosted the first in what is hoped to be an annual event on Monday, to introduce students to local residents who are practicing the principles of sustainability.It is hoped the event will broaden students’ understanding of sustainable development [SD].Sustainable Development Officer Lynniece Nisbett-Garnett facilitated the symposium along with two students, DeAzha Chambers and Kjeld Conyers-Steede.She said in a Government press release: “Social, economic and environmental matters make up the three pillars of SD. So striking a balance between all three in our decision-making is needed because they all influence the quality of our lives in Bermuda.”Panellists at the symposium included Che Murray, Chris Worboys and Gavin Smith.Mr Murray, a Statistical Officer with the Department of Statistics, spoke about the impact of education on earnings.He said that from data collected in the 2010 Census and other employment data, it was clear that obtaining a college degree increased earning potential. Those with a Master’s degree on average earned three times more than those who did not have certification of some sort. His message to the students was simple: stay in school.Business Development Consultant for Bermuda Engineering Company Mr Worboys spoke about Bermuda’s susceptibility to oil price fluctuation, and of the need to be more self sufficient when it comes to energy production.Mr Smith, a founder of the Chewstick Foundation, spoke about the importance of young people finding their talents and using them to give back to the community.Ann Marie Lewis, a Social Studies teacher and organiser of the event, said: “This initiative far surpassed our expectations. We accomplished our aim of this symposium to partially fulfill objectives of the Citizenship and Human Geography curriculum which focus on Sustainable Development. Students were introduced to individuals who are responsible for sustainable development in Bermuda and were persuaded to consider the role young people can play in sustainable development.”Useful website: www.sdbermuda.bm.