I have always enjoyed the outdoors, and living in a culture that exists in a closer connection with the environment was a fun and interesting experience. After returning home from Belize, I began studying Environmental Conservation at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls (UWRF). This field of study is centered on appreciating the balances in nature and understanding how humans can affect this rhythm. Building on the interests realized in Belize, I began to focus on peoples’ interaction with the environment and this lead to the field of Sustainable Community Development. Sustainable Community Development refers to a process by which communities look to understand their effect on the environment and purposely take steps to minimize their negative impact, or footprint. Last summer through cooperation between UWRF and the China Exploration and Research Society (CERS), I was able to complete an internship working on various projects that aided with the CERS mission to conserve the environment and culture of southwestern China. The projects included work at an eco-tourism development site and documentation of traditional Tibetan folk art and music.

Now, upon graduation from UWRF, and being fortunate enough to receive a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship, I intend to continue my studies in Sustainable Community Development by attending the Blekinge Institute of Technology in Karlskrona, Sweden. This program teaches The Natural Step process, a holistic approach to community development and increasing the citizens’ standard of living. By understanding the whole community system and the many interactions, solutions can be found that will meet the goals of the community while conserving the surrounding environment.

I would like to thank all of the wonderful people at Galen University. Their unwavering, positive spirits, and strong sense of community, helped to provide me with the keys necessary to open many of life’s doors. I don’t know where the path of life will lead, but Belize, Galen University, and Belikin Stout, will always hold a special place in my heart and taste buds.