ENR 2100 – Effects of Ecotourism in Maui, HI

I researched the effects of ecotourism in Maui, Hawaii for my course Introduction to Environmental Science. This semester-long project allowed me to research different types of ecotourism, marine life found near the coast of Maui, and public knowledge about their behaviors affecting the environment.

 

ecotourism poster final

Artifact

Before I left for college, my great-aunt gave me this guardian angel token. I often carry it with me to remember my family, my values of integrity, self-worth, and perseverance. The token reminds me to stay focused, work hard, and be grateful for the opportunities I have and will have in the future.

 

Year in Review

My first-year experience at The Ohio State University has been one to remember. From the scared and anxious girl on August 18th to the more confident and authentic woman I am at the end of April 2019, I have grown immensely. I have been challenged by coursework, tested emotionally, and faced the task of building new friends in my new community. I was given opportunities to succeed by being in the Health Science Scholars program, as well as meeting some of my best friends through the scholars’ group. I took academically challenging courses that were both engaging and enriching. I independently found a service opportunity I enjoy a lot and worked a job for most of the year.

G.O.A.L.S.

Global Awareness: I have worked to maintain and gain global awareness by immersing myself in various situations and backgrounds with many different groups of people. For example, I tutor at an inner city charter school where children from all over attend. The school is mostly full of kids from low socioeconomic backgrounds and is also quite diverse. I have also worked to improve my global awareness by traveling to Nicaragua and seeing the need that those poverty stricken areas need. I hope to continue my global awareness by using STEP during sophomore year to travel abroad to possibly Australia or New Zealand.

Original Inquiry: As a rising sophomore I hope to participate in research with Dr. Kerry Ard. I hope to work with her grad students on research concerning the environment and social justice issues.

Academic Enrichment: This year I challenged myself by taking a rigorous course load of 17 credit hours each semester. I took many Gen Eds, but also began to take introductory classes for my major. The most interesting class I took was ENR 2100, Intro to Environmental Science. I really enjoyed the concepts covered as well as the collaborative efforts and projects done for this class. I researched how ecotourism affects marine life in Maui, Hawaii for my final project. I am also looking forward to continuing to take courses relating to my major, especially Psychology of Environmental Problems.

Leadership Development: A way in which my leadership skills have grown this year is my ability to seek out opportunities rather than waiting for them to fall into my lap. I worked to get in contact with a teacher at GEMS, rather than joining a club or getting connected through Ohio State. While those were good options, my ability and desire to take initiative have grown in the last year.

Service Engagement: This year I have served as an Ohio State Pen Pal, writing to a 3rd-grade girl from an inner city public school biweekly. We discuss her life, interests, and hobbies. She and her classmates came to visit OSU in March in order to see what a life path with college looks like. I also found a way to volunteer and give back on my own. I serve as a tutor at Graham Elementary Middle School, just off of campus. I am a teacher’s aide, as well as a math tutor, working with small groups or individuals who need a bit of extra help. My work includes working with kids from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions. I visit GEMS every week for two hours and try to help the students get the most out of their education.

About Me

Hi!

My name is Emma and I am from Cincinnati, OH. My major is Environmental Policy and Decision Making, and I intend to get a minor in Communicating Risk Behaviors. I am also a member of the Health Sciences Scholars program. My goals for this year include adapting to the new challenges that academics at Ohio State will bring, pushing my limits when it comes to making new friends and finding interesting opportunities, and staying true to who I am as I navigate these crucial and formational years as a college student. I’m involved in several service clubs at Ohio State and also have a job in the Union. I am an active member in my community and enjoy service, passionate about music, and am an activist for human rights.