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Extracurricular Activities

I love the outdoors and enjoy camping, hunting, and fishing, as well as kayaking and hiking. I also love photography, art, writing, swimming, and learning about ancient cultures (particularly ancient Egypt), among others. In my spare time, I give swim lessons and sometimes volunteer for the Western Service Workers Association (WSWA). I’m a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, which I’ve been involved with for several years now. I have plans to start volunteering at the local fish hatchery near Klamath Falls this upcoming school year which I very much look forward to. I’m also hoping to travel to Africa this next summer with engineering students to help install solar panels.

A Little Bit ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Me

I was born in Santa Rosa, California, but grew up mostly in Redding, California. I spent some time living abroad in Galway, Ireland. I’m an older student, returning to school after a long absence. I was really ill for a number of years after suffering a traumatic brain injury when I was a competitive swimmer at Colorado, CSU, back in 2001. I’ve had a lot of health difficulties over the years, but I have improved a lot and am excited to be back in school to finish my education that I originally began over 20 years ago. I’m hard working and don’t easily give up. I’m extremely close to my family, as they mean the world to me. I enjoy traveling and outdoor activities and was a competitive swimmer for a big chunk of my life, even swimming in college.

Why I Chose ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ and My Major

I like ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ because it isn’t too far from my family in Redding, California. At ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, I have met some great people and have learned so much. It’s a much smaller university than previous ones I’ve attended. With this being a smaller major, there is also a smaller classroom size, and you really get to know your instructors. They are much more accessible and open to talking with you.

My Influential Professors

So far at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, I’ve had some exceptional professors. One teacher I had in the spring of 2022 who helped set me on my current path was Danta Smith, my Archaeology teacher. She really helped encouraged me to pursue a major that would suit me better. Her passion for Archaeology made me realize I was in the wrong major. In environmental sciences, I’ve had some exceptional teachers this past year: Jherime Kellermann, Lloyd Parratt, Kerry Ferris, Nate Bickford, and Ethan Howard in particular. I really look forward to having Christy VanRooyen this next year, who I’ve heard is another great instructor.

My Greatest Learning Experience At ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ

I originally transferred to ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ to go into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, but I found out it was not the best fit for me. I found myself dreading having to scan every day. I ended up researching other majors and talked to Lloyd Parratt in the spring of 2022 and really fell in love with Environmental Sciences. Since I’ve been involved in the program, I could not be happier with the major I chose. I found it really suits me so much better than Sonography ever did.

My Plans After Graduation

After graduation, I hope to move somewhere on the coast and maybe work for the government or park service. I like the idea of being a park ranger too, so that’s something I’ll investigate. I’d really like to help with the ocean and climate change effects. I want to buy a house and travel as much as I can on my breaks so I can see the world. I’m excited to have a career where I can be outside and work to improve the environment.