About Me

Hello! I am Kaleigh Bryden and am a first-year student at The Ohio State University studying Animal Science with a pre-vet focus. I am an Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Scholar, and I hope to expand my global and environmental awareness through this program. I am a tactile learner, and hope to gain many hands-on learning experiences through ENR Scholars. Upon graduation, I plan to either enroll in Veterinary School or Graduate School depending on where my studies and work experiences take me.

Throughout high school I was able to explore many of my passions, including leadership, research, veterinary studies, the environment, and wildlife. I discovered my passion for leadership through being a co-president of my school’s chapter of the National Honor Society and serving as a cross country team captain. Through volunteering at an animal hospital, animal shelter, and animal rescue, I gained valuable hands on experience and a greater passion for animal welfare. Since I was a child, I attended programs at Audubon in Greenwich, Connecticut, which opened many doors for me in terms of learning about the environment and wildlife. This past fall, I participated in the Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch as an Audubon intern. I researched and observed hawk migration patterns while also learning how to identify the many different types of raptors that migrate through Connecticut. The research we conducted locally contributed to a national effort to understand and protect raptors of all kinds. Most significantly, I had the opportunity to work as a Naturalist and counselor at Audubon Greenwich this summer. This opportunity stemmed from many years of attending camp and transitioning to a counselor in training as I got older. Working as a counselor gave me the opportunity to teach children about wildlife and environmental conservation. I taught children a variety of subjects including wildlife identification, wilderness survival, and environmental stewardship. I hope to continue developing these interests at The Ohio State University during my time here.

In addition to my previously mentioned interests in the environment, I also have interest in sustainability and outdoor adventure. In light of the recent EPA budget cuts, I plan on becoming more involved in changing the way people think about the environment and stressing how important taking care of it is. I also hope to advocate for sustainability (recycling, clean energy, etc.) in my community on campus, as well as across the country and around the globe. ENR scholars will give me the opportunity to make connections and truly make a difference in what I am passionate about.

Lastly, I attended one of the Wilderness Welcome Week trips and white water rafted on the New River Gorge in West Virginia. This was an excellent learning experience for me and has increased my interest in outdoor adventure and protecting the environment for future generations to enjoy. I hope to take advantage of all the outdoor recreation trips offered by OSU including: caving, backpacking, hiking, kayaking, and many more.

Wherever my journey may take me during the next four years, I know that Ohio State will enable me to explore my passions big and small and to make an impact on the world around me.

 

 

 

About Me

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