Whether you are an eco-conscious Taoseño or not, you know what an Earthship is. The Earthship movement was born in Taos and started by Michael Reynolds, who coined and trademarked the term and pioneered the development of sustainable, self-sufficient homes. These passive solar, rain-catching, earth-sheltered houses have since gone global. The unique dwellings caught the attention of John Espinosa who, up until several years ago, was living in an eco-village in Massachusetts. He came to Taos to learn about Reynold’s Earthships. He kept coming back every couple of years to take a construction class at UNM-Taos or help with another off-the-grid build. 

“I finally decided to make the move here over two years ago, mainly to pursue my dream of building an Earthship,” he shared. “Earthships are such a great solution to so many of the problems I see in conventional construction. They offer green and passive solutions to problems such as heating and cooling, water collection, and graywater treatment to name just a few.” 

When John came to New Mexico, pursuing higher education was not on his radar. The state's commitment to funding college education encouraged him to seek a certificate in green construction at UNM-Taos. A generous scholarship from the Quail Roost Foundation has been instrumental in attaining his higher education aspirations. He is working on earning a Certificate in Construction Technology with a Green Technology Concentration. 

The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society tapped John as a New Century Workforce Pathway Scholarship recipient. His accomplishment was recognized during Higher Education Day at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe on February 25. 

“It was nice to be recognized for my hard work,” he said. 

John’s hard work and New Mexico’s higher education opportunities have accelerated the manifestation of his dreams.  

“I have quickly learned valuable green-building skills,” he expressed. “Without UNM-Taos, it would have taken me much longer. Additionally, I have made valuable contacts in the green-building field I would otherwise not have made. UNM-Taos is such a great resource. I see myself continuing to take advantage of classes at Taos even after I receive my construction certificate.”

John is the second PTK award winner from UNM-Taos in the last two years. Both students came out of the construction program. PTK is the international honor society of two-year colleges. PTK has recognized and encouraged scholarships among community college students for 100 years while promoting the academic integrity of the associate degree program. Students with grade point averages of 3.5 or higher are invited to join Phi Theta Kappa.