Dear ENR Scholars,
I am saddened to say that this is my final post as an active ENR Scholar since this is the end of my second year in the program. I have gained so much during my time as an ENR Scholar that I will take with me throughout the rest of my journey as a student at The Ohio State University and as a citizen of the Earth. The biggest highlight of my two years as a scholar would probably be the camping trips we took to Hocking Hills State Park. My first trip was the first time I had ever camped out in a tent the whole night and I would say it was my first official camping experience. I made so many memories on that trip and got to know so many cool people. On that trip I found my passion for birding on the birding hikes with Matt and Kandace which was an absolute blast! I also learned about slacklining and how bad I am at it! I went to Rock House for the first time and I was blown away. To top it all off, I went star gazing with my friends and I saw for the first time in my life, the Milky Way galaxy on a clear night. There were even shooting stars that night! My second year trip was different but just as memorable. I got to know lots of first years who are super cool and are very smart and passionate. On the birding hike with Matt and Kandace this year I got to see a pileated woodpecker up close which was an amazing experience. I also slept in my new hammock both nights which was a new first for me as well. I challenged myself to go on the twelve mile Ash Cave hike which was well worth the trip and we also saw Ceder Falls and Old Man’s cave, so we technically did three hikes in one. On the last day I went with a few second years to Quail’s Hollow and I saw saw a wild Barred Owl for the first time! The camping trips were definitely the highlights of my ENR Scholars experience.
I gained many things from my experiences in ENR. I found my passion and drive for living a more sustainable life during my time in ENR. I discovered my love for outdoor recreation and the many new experiences outdoors I have had thanks to ENR. I found my passion for birding from Matt and Kandace during the camping trips each year which inspired my love for nature photography. I discovered my passion for environmental education when Olivia Minnie and I worked on our Tree Identification event. I also gained friendships that I might not have made if I wasn’t in ENR Scholars. There are so many things that I learned and discovered in ENR Scholars that I couldn’t possibly name them all, but these are a few of them.
Being an ENR Scholar has taught me a lot about sustainability and the environmental impact we make during our everyday lives. The knowledge I gained inspired me to make a few changes in my life and the impact I make. When I started at The Ohio State University I recycled as much as I possibly could and as often as appropriate. I also recently bought metal straws so that I would reduce my plastic straw waste. I will continue these changes in my life and I will also continue to find new ways I can reduce my negative environmental impact. Since I am moving off campus next year I really want to start composting and growing what food I can indoors, even if it is just herbs.
The advice I would give to incoming ENR Scholars is to go to as many events as you can and learn as much as you can. The events ENR Scholars has put on for us have been very informative and very fun to participate in. I learned so many different things and experienced so many new things that I wouldn’t give up for the world. I would also say to the new members is to not be afraid to journey out of your comfort zone. When I tried something new in scholars or participated in something I wasn’t sure I was going to like I ended up having an amazing time and I was so glad that I took a leap of faith. Learn as much as you can and you will be so glad you did.
Thank you for such an amazing experience at The Ohio State University. I will never forget the memories I’ve made and the knowledge I gained as an ENR Scholar.
Sincerely,
Hailey MacArthur-Senediak
This picture was taken at Cedar Falls on our way to Ash Cave on the ENR Scholars camping trip in 2017.
This us a picture of me and of some of the friends I made my first year in ENR Scholars in 2016. We were by the lake where we were star gazing and Ris Twigg wanted us to pose for a photo.