Student Identity with Heather

Transcript

It’s time to meet Heather, a senior majoring in environmental biology with a minor in environmental writing and rhetoric. She has found the community she was always looking for at ESF, with everyone from students to faculty, passionate about the environment. It was easy to find like-minded people to bond with. Heather, we can’t wait to hear what ESF means to you. Take it away.

– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. When I was deciding on a college, one of the main aspects I was looking for was a strong sense of community within the student body. A school where I felt like I could be part of something truly impactful. When I found ESF, I knew I had found that community. Because ESF is a school focused on studying environmental topics, it’s incredibly easy to find students who share common interests, passions, and values. Before ESF, it was hard for me to connect with people on interests in nature in the environment, but at ESF, everyone has something that drew them here. Whether it be a single species like Mississauga rattlesnakes, a topic like insect evolution, or a problem to solve like chemical contamination of waterways. At ESF, we share values of acceptance, empathy, curiosity, and most of all caring for the natural world, making it easy for students to share and develop their unique interests and hobbies and offering them a space to be accepted exactly as they are. Another way ESF builds community within its students is through its many clubs and organizations. There really is something for everyone. Outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching or climbing. Embracing your artistic side with illustration or poetry. Even the sciences like herpetology, entomology and mycology. For me, clubs like the Music Society and the Poetry Club have helped me develop my creative skills and given me opportunities to share my work through performances on campus. Not only that, they’ve helped me incorporate my creative skills into my future career path through creating environmental art and writing. I’ve met so many friends through these organizations and I’m so grateful that ESF has given me the space to explore my passions. That’s my story. Take it away. Alex.

– You have definitely found your people at ESF and we know there are other potential Mighty Oaks out there looking for the same sense of connectedness. The lifelong friendships you’re making today are truly enriching your college experience, Heather, and that is awesome, thanks again.