Picking a grad school was an easy choice for me. As a southeast Michigan resident, the University of Michigan was a world-class educational institution practically in my own backyard. So once I decided to go back to school, the choice was clear.
During my previous career as a journalist, I often wrote articles about conservation and environmental education. I was continually struck by people’s passion toward nature and protecting the environment. For example, I’ll never forget the time I listened to children proudly tell me how a rain garden they created would keep pollutants out of their watershed, or the way their eyes widened in amazement as they peered into a tank of salmon they’d raised from eggs and were planning to release into the wild. Through my work, I watched children and adults form lifelong connections with nature, and I saw the difference even a small group of people can make in protecting the environment. Eventually, I decided I no longer wanted to simply write about stories like these – I wanted to get involved. And what better way to jump into a new career than enrolling in graduate school?
As a lifelong Michigan resident, I knew I didn’t want to go far. I was born and raised an hour north of Washtenaw County, I’d lived and worked in several major Michigan cities including the state capital, and my husband worked in downtown Ann Arbor. So in terms of location, U-M couldn’t be beat.
But besides location, U-M’s School of Natural Resources and Environment also offered an academic plan that was perfect for me: an interdisciplinary program in which I could build on my existing strengths –writing, communications, and outreach – while at the same time develop new knowledge and skills in environmental science. Although I considered myself informed about current conservation news, I’d never formally studied natural sciences, so the ability to do so through a U-M master’s program without having to first earn a bachelor’s degree in science was very valuable to me. And on top of all that, U-M’s well-earned prestigious reputation assured me I’d receive the best education possible, preparing me to succeed in my new career field.
As I look forward to graduation this spring, I couldn’t be happier about my decision. The University of Michigan was definitely the right choice for me.
Published in: Student Voices
Keywords: profession career planning academics