By Miranda Koewler
When I sat down with third-year Megan Gilroy, she told me all about her major and her involvement on Ohio State’s nationally ranked waterski team. I discovered that the ice cream fanatic’s Buckeye experience is as unique as she is.
Miranda: What are you studying and why?
Megan: I am majoring in environment, economics, development and sustainability (EEDS) with a minor in anthropology. I was initially attracted to EEDS because of my pure love of being outdoors. I am most at peace when I’m enjoying the world around me, and I feel very strongly about the importance of preserving it. I really love all of the holistic thinking and problem solving that comes with what I study and hope to pursue it as a career.
Tell me about some things you’re involved in on campus and in the community.
I work in Student Life’s Energy Management and Sustainability department as a sustainability programming assistant. I get to talk to students around campus to inform them of the importance of recycling and share tips on how to improve their sustainability. I’m also on the Ohio State Waterski Club team. We are the top non-scholarship team, ranked sixth in the nation. As social chair, I organize fun events and off-season gatherings for the team.
What are three words to describe you?
First, I would say excited. I try to fully immerse myself in everything I do and approach situations wholeheartedly. I love doing new things and having unique experiences. For example, the waterski team was something I just wanted to do for fun, but it has led to some of the best memories.
Next is friendly. I can strike up a conversation with anyone. I always want to learn about people and I think that being personable is the easiest way to do this.
Lastly, I would say driven. If I want something to happen, I’ll make it happen. I try to put myself in a position to succeed in whatever I do. By reaching out to brands like Nike, Justin’s and Nationwide on my own, I’ve learned about corporate sustainability and have been able to create a better network too.
Where do you think your love of the outdoors originated?
I started going camping with my family at a young age and from there it’s continued to grow. My love of being outside has been a constant part of who I am, whether it’s hiking, boating or even reading a book under a shady tree. I would say that it’s something I have always valued.
With Ohio State being in a metropolitan area, how do you get outside?
The waterski team helps with this a lot because it allows me to be on the water with my friends all the time. I like to go and hang out at the lake after work and try my best to get outside during the craziness of school because it helps me to disconnect a little bit. It can be as simple as sitting on the Oval or walking around campus. Inside, I like to find quiet spaces with huge windows because it makes doing work just a little more peaceful.
Based on your Ohio State experience, what advice would you offer other Buckeyes?
Take advantage of campus resources. You have no idea how many opportunities this university can offer us. Explore and get involved in all the things we have access to here. The Wellness Center is awesome! The Wellness Ambassadors are there to educate students and the office can provide so much information on topics from nutrition coaching to stress relief. It’s something I’m really grateful to have found.
In your bio, you mentioned being a huge ice cream fan. What’s your favorite brand or flavor?
I love ice cream! My go-to flavor is mint chocolate chip, but I like to try new flavors all the time. Back home, we had some great ice cream stores like Mason’s Creamery and Sweet Moses in Cleveland. I usually go to UDF because it’s convenient for campus. They have some really great flavors too!
Go Megan! Id love to talk to you more about the EEDS major and some professional development resources that I can share with you from my work with Care About Climate. Shoot me an email at svoska21@gmail.com and we’ll talk!