In 2024, I was a high school senior about to graduate and I felt overwhelmed with the amount of questions I had about my future. I knew that I loved being outside, talking with people, and looking for the beauty in small things. The way I combined those things was through Valpo’s environmental science and geography programs.
When I toured Valparaiso University in April of that same year, the first thing that stood out to me was the walkability of campus. While taking in the surroundings and seeing the stillness of campus, there was something calming about it. The small campus on the outskirts of a bustling, hearty downtown stood out to me. I soon committed to Valpo and only knew a small handful of people from my high school who were either attending or going to attend the university, which again, made me very nervous.
When I went to FOCUS [orientation], I walked into a room that was for Christ College, Valparaiso University’s honors college. I had no idea that there was an honors college. However, what I didn’t know was that the same honors college was going to shape my university experience. I’ve met so many amazing people at Christ College and many of the friends I have were made through the First Year Production of “Spaceship Rock.” I found my passion for friendly discussion with my peers and had my love for humanities revived. Dean Jennifer S. Prough, Ph.D., and Associate Dean Zachary King Ph.D., have been very welcoming not only to me, but all of my Christ College peers – and have always been friendly faces I can rely on and wave to. Professor Amanda Ruud, Ph.D., has also always been someone I can talk to, whether it’s about classwork or casual in passing conversations. All of the Christ College professors have encouraged me to think deeper on human ethic rather than allowing it to pass through me.
At Valpo’s College of Arts and Sciences I have been able to have many hands-on experiences in my two years of being here. Notably, I’ve participated in research projects run by Professor Jon-Paul McCool, Ph.D. In my first year I was able to participate in the Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE), which is a program located at Valparaiso University where students present their research they’ve worked on. In lab work, I’ve been able to feel prepared for my field after college. I’ve learned about not only the nature aspect of environmental science, but the humanity aspect that ties into it, too. Through college, I’ve also gone on field trips, had relevant projects to add to my portfolio, and opportunities to engage with professionals of my field. I’ve also gotten opportunities to interview with different companies through the CAPS Fellows Program. I’m excited for the summer where I have the opportunity to intern with the Grünewald Guild!
Today, I’ve found myself through Valpo and I feel excited about my future. I’m currently working towards my degree in geography and environmental science with minors in wetland science and humanities. My hope is to either work for the National Park Service or as an urban designer to communicate and create accessible areas. Valpo is not only about academics, it’s about the opportunity you are creating for yourself without even realizing. It’s about community and talking with different people, getting to know their feelings, and keeping those close to you. My time here has shown that I can be my best with the guidance and encouragement from those around me. My advice for anyone is to put yourself out there, effort is effort, and effort is just the beginning of your journey.
