Artifacts

Saplings Mentor Interview

My Saplings mentor is Ris Twigg. A sophomore double major in Environmental Policy and Journalism, Ris is and has been very involved with ENR scholars and leadership organizations within her college.

Question 1: How did you decide on the major you have chosen?

Ris decided on her majors after coming to realize that her dream career is to be a photographer for National Geographic, and after finding a strong love for her college. Although Ris started at Ohio State as an Environmental Science major, to realize her aspirations of being a photographer, Ris needs a degree in journalism; and as a person dedicated to connecting people with nature, Ris decided to continue with another major in Environmental Policy. Ris does not believe in selecting the college major most likely to land you a job, rather she truly believes in pursuing passions and interests through her coursework.

Question 2: What benefits have you received from getting involved outside the classroom?

Outside of class, Ris is heavily involved in both ENR Scholars and in her college’s student leadership and planning organizations. Ris enjoys planning and coordinating events, as well as being a leader for others. Actively seeking opportunities to be in an administrative or leadership role, over the course of the last year, she has accumulated considerable experience and skill at organizing events. From bike rides to trips to the Short North, Ris makes a point to go out and explore Columbus. She says her greatest benefit from being as involved as she is the tremendous personal growth she has experienced.

Question 3: What ENR Scholars opportunities are you glad you participated in?

Ris has said she feels that she got a little overinvolved her freshman year, and really had to step back to evaluate her interests and cut back her involvement. One of the activities that remained after her extracurricular purge was ENR. Ris receives satisfaction from her roles as an ENR mentor and as a member of the ENR leadership counsel. She is extremely happy to have an active role in her own ENR experience, as well as in that of others. Ris truly enjoys being there for other people, and it is for this reason that she is naturally well-suited to be an ENR mentor.

Question 4: What is your dream job and why?

Ris’ dream job is to work for National Geographic as a photojournalist. Beyond the obvious draw of traveling to distant and foreign parts of the world, Ris wants to dedicate her career to connecting people with nature. One thing she sees too little of in this world is a true, strong relationship between people and the natural world. Ris hopes to change this by showing people just how incredible and majestic our world really is. Most people can’t find time to go and see the great natural wonders of the Earth, but Ris hopes to bridge this gap.

Question 5: How do you balance academics and involvement? Do you have any tips?

It is Ris’ belief that people should not become involved in extracurricular activities exclusively for resume-building. She believes student involvement should bring students satisfaction on a personal level. This is why she struggled with over-involvement. As an outgoing, extroverted person, Ris finds getting involved a natural process. She has to actively combat the urge to be a part of every cool club and activity here at Ohio State. Ris learned during her freshman year to prioritize her interest. She divides her interests into categories based on how important they are to her as a person. She prioritizes academics and other strong interests as things which need to be done, then filling the rest of her time with those activities that she truly values and enjoys the most. She has struggled with this process in the past, but feels like she has been doing better. Ris is in a unique position, balancing coursework for two majors, involvement in her extracurriculars, and free time. Ris is an efficient worker, and seems to have endless energy and enthusiasm. Ultimately, Ris’ strategy for staying on top of everything is to do her best to always be positive and stay focused on the task at hand.