The second year experience has been the biggest highlight of my ENR career. I think this is because I was able to incorporate my skills as an RA to my role as a member of scholars. My favorite event of the year was definitely my second year project. I did a camping skills workshop and relay race for all members of scholars going on the camping trip. It was amazing to see the first years working together with older members to learn and have fun. I enjoyed seeing the first years become more comfortable with their knowledge of camping going into the Hocking Hills trip. This experience was definitely rewarding for me- I was so happy to see that I could make a positive change in not only Scholars but also in younger individuals.
Pictured: girls learning to splint a leg!
The biggest thing I gained from scholars is personal growth. Because of the friends I have made, the challenging yet fun events, and the guidance of the coordinators and my mentors, I am a much more confident and hardworking woman than I was in high school. I am so thankful for camping trips, hikes, and cleanups that pushed me to constantly challenge the way I think and lead in other aspects of my life. This group inspired me to interact with others on a new level because the environment is something that is pertinent in everyone’s lives. I have enjoyed learning from others in a new setting and I am so excited to continue building on my newfound strengths.
pictured: my gorls. my baes.
ENR inspired me to change my food ethic this year. Because of the event, Living Sustainably off Campus, I became interested in changing up my diet to become more sustainable as I prepare to buy my own groceries and cook for myself. I began eating less meat this semester; it has made such a positive impact on my life. I have a better relationship with food, I feel more energetic and pleasant, I can do more physical activity, I save money, and I am way more interested in the impact of my diet on the environment. This has kickstarted a less wasteful life for me too. I now stopped using as much plastic products and I have started to take my reusable mugs to coffee shops. I even recycle more too! All because I am more aware of my habits and how they affect the environment. Next year, I hope to cut out meat completely and compost. That will for sure be hard, because meat is so tasty!
To incoming scholars– have fun with this program! Make it 100% your own. I am not vegan, I am not an environmental science major, and each person in this scholars group is totally unique in that way! There is no stereotype to being in ENR. Each member in my class took the ENR experience and made it their own. The greatest thing about this group is that I could truly incorporate it into my physics major. This summer I am doing physics research for solar panels which I didn’t even know was a thing. This group will give you the skills to take enviro science and sustainability and integrate it into your professional and personal life. If you really love earth, go wild! Do not hold back in this group because it will help you reach your highest potential! I had such an incredible experience and I can only wish the same for everyone else.