Wild About Conservation with Marcus

Transcript

The outdoors can spark a lifelong passion, and for Marcus, it led to a career path. A sophomore in conservation management, Marcus discovered at UIU that his love of hunting, fishing and wildlife could become so much more. Surrounded by classmates and professors who share his interests, he’s thriving in and out of the classroom. Take it away, Marcus.

– Appreciate you, Alex. Growing up, I had so many ideas of what I wanted to do. I went from paleontology to being a veterinarian to book editing, but conservation management is really what stuck with me in my youth. I fished and hunted with my grandfather often. And as I got older, he showed me that my favorite hobbies could be a career. After arriving at Upper Iowa University, I realized that I could not have made a better decision. I was a little nervous to meet new people, but as I began to get to know classmates in my field, college started to become fun. Who knew? Now I’m surrounded by people with my same hobbies, same interests, and same weird obsessions. I love fitting in with not only the students in my classes, but with the professors too. Nothing is better than being taught by people who are actually interested in the material they are showing you. The professors also get involved outside of class advising school clubs. I myself am the vice president of the Collegiate Outdoors Club. In these clubs, we do so many cool things, including raccoon hunting, ice fishing, and even a big trip to Nebraska. There, we witnessed one of the most awe-inspiring events ever, the Sandhill Crane migration. Thousands of birds the size of third graders fly around in the sky above you. It was sick. No matter what made you decide, we have not only a cool learning program to go along with your interests, but we have organizations available to surround yourself with people that have similar interests to you and make the best of college. Whatever you may strive to become or accomplish in the next four years or 40 years, upper Iowa University can help you pursue your goals. Well, that’s my spiel. Back to you, Alex.

– Wow, Marcus. From raccoon hunts to witnessing the breathtaking Sandhill Crane migration, your experience show how UIU brings learning to life. With hands-on opportunities, supportive professors and clubs that build community, conservation management students like you prove that following your passion can lead to something extraordinary. Keep exploring, Marcus, and thanks again.