< Back | A to Z Index | Search | Home
Environmental Studies Student Spotlight
Sophia Gossman ('08)
Hometown: Chatfield, MN
Why did you choose an Environmental Studies major?
I have always enjoyed being outside and I have always been interested
in keeping what wilderness we still have as wild as it can be.
What was your favorite Environmental Studies class?
GIS (Digital Cartography) or U.S. Environmental History are probably
my top two. I love maps and I really liked learning about how our
environmental policies and beliefs about the environment came to be.
How are you using what you learned as an Environmental Studies major
in your current job?
At my job I make maps, specifically for 9-1-1, so I use GIS almost
constantly. Being an Environmental Studies major got me interested in
making maps and has had a large affect on my lifestyle as well as
work. I eat local foods, carpool and have made several suggestions to
improve the environmental efficiency of the company that I work for.
What advice do you have for future students?
Live out what you learn. Changing your own lifestyle will inspire
others to live a happy, sustainable life more than any policy that
forces people to change ever will.
Iphigenie Marie Nshutinyayo ('10)
Hometown: Kigali, Rwanda
Why did you choose an Environmental Studies major?
I chose the Environmental Studies major because I am disturbed by the state of the environment today, particularly in Africa. The extent of environmental problems in Africa is so widespread, but it is hardly given any consideration due to other issues. Global warming-related disasters are already taking a heavy toll, causing massive damage to crops and infrastructure. The situation in Africa acted as a catalyst for me to do Environmental Studies to help limit the damage and to reverse these trends. I was also inspired by Prof. Wangari Maathai, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. I grew up watching her struggle for the environment and felt that her work should be continued for the sake of future generations. She is my role model.
What has been your favorite Environmental Studies class?
My favorite environmental class has been “Food, Gender and Environment”. I enjoyed the class because of the very interesting readings we did. Marion Nestle’s ‘What to eat’ was an exceptional book. I really liked the discussions amongst students with the guidance of Professor Diane Veale Jones. The class intimately connected me to my food. It altered my whole eating choices in a positive way. I am now aware that there is food that is both good for you and good for the earth.
What has been your favorite moment as an Environmental Studies major?
My favorite moment as environmental Studies major was when two classmates and I did a study on eggs all the way from the farms to our plates. It was very interesting to learn that there are so many types of eggs depending on where, how and on what they were raised.
What advice do you have for future students?
My advice for future students is to learn as much as they can about our environment. It is as important as other vital priorities. It is so important that it directly affects all our lives. It is our duty to protect and guide our environment. To be up to this challenging task we need the right knowledge and skills.
Andrew Hatzenbihler ('11)
Hometown: Rochester, MN
I took an environmental studies course in high school and I loved it. When I arrived at St. John's I tried out the introduction courses, greatly enjoyed them, and decided to pursue environmental studies as a major.
What has been your favorite Environmental Studies class?
My favorite classes have been Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Integrated Environmental Studies II.
What has been your favorite moment as an ES major?
This past summer I had the opportunity to work for the St. John's Environmental Studies Department on a greenhouse gas audit. It was great to learn about the operation of the university, lay the foundation for institutional changes in the future, and watch the outcomes of my research.
What advice do you have any advice for future students?
Talk to anyone and everyone. Everyone has a very unique and interesting story to tell if you are willing to listen. Sometimes the most valuable lessons you will ever learn are learned outside of the classroom simply by listening to what someone else has to say.