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Hometown: South Chicago Heights, IL
Year/Graduation: Sophomore, May 2028
Concentration: Environmental Science & Management
Why Illinois? – What factors helped contribute to your decision to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign?
Throughout my academic career, whenever there was talk of higher education or college, one university that was always mentioned was UIUC. Although I had not known it at the time, I was already destined to attend here. A school of innovation, world-class research, and an unforgettable campus, I was not disappointed when I first stepped foot in this institution. I was impressed by all the opportunities that the university provides, as well as all the people I have met here on campus. The most important thing you can do is network and try to be as involved as possible. I consider my connections here at UIUC the most valuable resources that I have found.
Being from the south suburbs of Chicago, the university's location is close enough to home but far enough to allow for independence. I have found a great sense of appreciation and belonging here at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. There is so much to discover on campus, from taking evening walks on the Quad to finding fish in Boneyard Creek (yes, there are fish in there believe it or not). They say you make your time the way you want it, and I intend to make mine the best I can.
Why NRES? – Specifically, why did you choose to study Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences?
I have always surrounded myself with nature and often found myself questioning why things are the way they are in the environment. I credit part of this to my immense passion for fish and my pastime of fishing. Often overlooked, fish are underappreciated animals vulnerable to many stressors; similarly, the environments they inhabit face significant threats. There was something about the ambiance in the environment of those early foggy mornings wading a stream or backpacking in the mountains so untouched by humans. Witnessing such perfection in nature, NRES was just what I was preparing and looking for. I felt it only necessary to be a part of a great program and close community. No other university could match it.
There are so many exciting aspects to NRES, from field experience to various lab work and research positions. The numerous courses offered and the faculty guide you toward where you want to be. I look forward to the opportunities that come my way and to blazing my own career path.
NRES is a program to be excited about!