Individualized Major: Community and Environmental Health

Graduation Date: December 2024

Why Individualized? Throughout my freshman and sophomore years of college, I found myself wanting more than what any single or double major could give. I began as a Biology major, then an MCB and Sociology double major, but I found that the individualized major was the best way to get exactly what I wanted out of my studies.

Most memorable course or project from your major? The most memorable part of my entire undergraduate career was the research paper I completed for my capstone course. While the actual subject matter and research was incredibly important to me, even more formative for me was getting to challenge myself both creatively and academically. I knew I wanted to write a paper which ignored all conventions of the typical undergraduate research paper. By combining elements of prose, poetry, and academic research, I fully embodied the spirit of the individualized major, which encourages deep, interdisciplinary thinking and creativity.

An individual who inspired you? As I sat to write the final section of my paper, I realized how influential my oldest sister who has been in my academic and personal growth. My sister graduated from a top university in the country, and now she is the live-in mechanic/organizer for a community bike shop in Houston, Texas. She taught me everything I know about building community through knowledge and hands-on work

Future plans? I am currently working at Holy Family Home and Shelter, the largest family homeless shelter in Eastern Connecticut. As I continue there, I also plan to start graduate school, either in Public Health or Social work.

Episode Transcript