Hometown: Watertown, New York
Discovering Geography
Born and raised near the roaring Black River best known for its white water rafting, in Watertown, NY, I have always been interested in the interface between human and natural systems. So, Geography just seemed like a “natural” fit, not to mention we’ve got some of the greatest Geography thinkers of our time.
After SU Geography
As for the future, I had a lot of guidance from advisers like Jamie Winders, Jonnell Robinson, and Jake Bendix, who helped me find a path that was best fit for my interests. That path so happened to be graduate school at SUNY ESF; literally I just crossed a street. I am working on a MS degree in Coupled Natural and Human Systems and I am teaching STEM at two elementary schools in Syracuse. In March, I will be joining the Peace Corps family and heading to Mexico to work as a GIS Specialist! Geography in action!
Lessons learned as a Geography major & Advice to undergrads
The skills I have picked up from Geography are many, but I think the most important is being a critical thinker. I have a very different view of the world than I had before starting the program. My advice to undergrads (in Geography and generally) is to make the most of the resources and people that are around you! Your professors have such immense knowledge and can be a wonderful resource for advice and guidance. Also, don’t just study – go out and get involved on campus and in the community!
Fun Fact:
To finish on a high note: a fun fact about myself is that I was Otto in the fall of 2011 and sporadically after I came back from Chile (through SU Abroad)! But, it’s kind of like the rule #1 of Fight Club, you don’t talk about Fight Club. Happy studies!