Nature/Outdoors | Page 10

Life as an Environmental Science Major

Jack Potter explains his perspective on majoring in environmental sciences.

By Stephen Kazanovicz

Feb 23, 2108

It’s fair to say that going to college is a big choice you have in your life. When you do decide if you want to go, there’s still the choice of why you’ll be there! This can overwhelm many (myself included). Whether you have a general idea of what you want to do, or have no idea at all, this interview was generated to help you dive deeper into a possibility for your college experience. The interviewee (Jack Potter) is a student enrolled in Environmental Science, at Plymouth State University. Jack has had a passion for the environment his whole life, and plans to continue his career in Environmental Studies once he graduates.

Why Environmental Science?

“I chose Environmental Science because it’s a scary topic right now, and it’s important. I have always had a passion for birds, and I think that’s what drew me in.”

Is there a specific interest that stands out more than the others?

“I am interested most in food production because of how many people there are in the world today. I think it would be fun managing, and figuring out new sustainable ways of farming to lessen the impact agriculture has.”

“It’s important to know the outcomes of our actions.”

What career would you like to see yourself with?

“Environmental Conservationist, or managing national parks, as well as forest areas in general, so yeah, I guess forest management.

How did you realize this is what you

wanted to do with your life?

“I figured out this is what I wanted to do after I took a bird class sophomore year of high school.”

“Not everybody knows what there gonna’ do right off the bat”

Was there any influential factors that helped you decide on this field?

“My grandfather influenced me greatly. He is a naturalist who buys land so it won’t be bought by somebody, and built on. I think that’s the thing that sticks out the most to me.”

Is there anything the general public should know about Environmental Science?

“It affects every aspect of our lives, and we are directly changing, and be aware of issues that will affect us in the future.”

Try to leave the Earth a better place than when you arrived. -Sidney Sheldon

How have your classes you’ve taken so far contributed to your degree?

“The work curriculum is what I thought it would be, all the labs are very technical. I’ve learned some vital information on topics that I’m interested in, and I’m eager to to see where it takes me.”