Member Blog

My first semester of college changed my expectations. Given that I graduated high school in the middle of a pandemic and was now expected to take classes solely online, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I did not have a specific career concentration, so I took whatever classes I could to satisfy the requirements for an Associate of Arts degree. I was neither involved socially nor in extracurriculars because there weren’t many options I was interested in. Once I finished my degree in May of 2022, I knew it was getting serious: I needed to choose a major I was interested in. I planned to transfer to the University of North Florida because it is local, and it felt like a comfortable and exciting next step to be involved in my home community.

Choosing a degree that would influence the rest of my life was a huge stressor for me. I went back and forth between choosing something I was interested in and something I knew I could make decent money with. After spending days exploring the undergraduate programs offered at UNF, I decided to apply for the Coastal Environmental Science Bachelor of Science degree. I had received an admissions decision relatively quickly, which took me by surprise, but I thought it could have been because I already lived in Jacksonville and was a transfer student. I was so excited and immediately disappointed; I had been rejected for admission into the Biology program. I was lost and did not know what to do. I was not interested in majoring in something I was not passionate about. After meeting with a transfer student advisor, she told me about the Interdisciplinary Studies program. I had no idea what this meant; I didn’t recall reading about it on the undergraduate programs webpage. She then went into more detail about curating a degree with a concentration in Environmental Studies. I was still unsure about it, but then I met with my future coordinator about the kind of classes I would be taking; he eased my worries, and I began to get excited. 

My coordinator introduced me to UNF’s Environmental Leadership Program and KAO Honors Society and advised me to join them to meet other students with the same interests. I figured they would both be something to fulfill Hicks Honors College Requirements and look good on a resume. What I thought would be one semester of involvement turned into two years. Being in both programs opened my eyes to the true meaning of environmental stewardship. I found passions like compositing, stream and habitat restoration, beach cleanups, and attending ecological workshops I never thought I would have. I have made great connections and gained many valuable skills and experiences as a student and intern at the Institute of Environmental Research and Education (IERE) and as the president of KAO’s Chi Chapter. 

As the president of KAO’s Chi chapter, my primary objectives currently revolve around enriching environmental awareness, encouraging dynamic learning, honing research capabilities, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and nurturing environmental responsibility among present and future students of IERE and KAO. My focus is elevating students' comprehension of interdisciplinary environmental subjects by backing existing IERE initiatives and involving students in field ventures. This consists of executing programs that combine various environmental disciplines to promote a holistic grasp of ecological systems, conservation, and sustainability. Moreover, I aim to facilitate hands-on learning experiences to strengthen students' environmental research and issue resolution proficiency. This will involve organizing interactive workshops, field excursions, and outdoor activities.

Given my upcoming graduation in May, I aspire to support IERE and KAO in implementing their prospective objectives. These aspirations involve linking our cohort with additional community resources and engagement prospects in North East Florida, attracting more interdisciplinary majors to the honors society. Additionally, IERE staff and I aim to expand students' access to leadership roles and foster a research committee.

While I was first met with disappointing challenges, I am proud of myself for not giving up and continuing to pursue this path. If I could offer advice to other students, it would be to get out there. College is difficult, and you think, “How could I possibly have the time to be involved on campus when I take classes full-time and work?” The only answer to that is sacrifice. But thankfully, time and time again, sacrifice proves to pay off. Do more than just go to class; join all the clubs and organizations that interest you. Because, like me, maybe you will find your passions.