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Student Profiles
Kelsey Torchia ('13)
Why did you choose Environmental Studies as your major?
Growing up, I was "nature girl." Pocahontas was my hero and I aspired to be just like her...running through the woods with animal friends. From a young age, I was always intrigued by the natural world and that interest has only grown stronger over the years. Coming into college, I wanted to choose a major with flexibility and an area that I have been passionate about my entire life. As I have discovered, Environmental Studies encompasses many more areas of study beyond the major and has allowed me to expand my knowledge and life perspectives.
What has been your favorite Environmental Studies class?
To be honest, all the courses I have taken in Environmental Studies have been interesting and challenging, each in their own way. I have enjoyed studying the environment through the various lenses offered at CSB/SJU. Two particular courses that stand out to me are Geographical Information Systems (GIS) with Dr. Jean Lavigne and Environmental Art & Architecture with Richard Bresnahan. In GIS, I learned mapping skills, studied social problems and mapped events, created maps on the computer and also was able to experience geocaching where I got lost in the arboretum and ended up in the swamp! As an Art minor, Professor Bresnahan's class combined the perfect blend of art and the environment, which allowed me to experience nature outside of a textbook.
What has been your favortie moment as an Environmental Studies major?
To be honest, all the courses I have taken in Environmental Studies have been interesting and challenging, each in their own way. I have enjoyed studying the environment through the various lenses offered at CSB/SJU. Two particular courses that stand out to me are Geographical Information Systems (GIS) with Dr. Jean Lavigne and Environmental Art & Architecture with Richard Bresnahan. In GIS, I learned mapping skills, studied social problems and mapped events, created maps on the computer and also was able to experience geocaching where I got lost in the arboretum and ended up in the swamp! As an Art minor, Professor Bresnahan's class combined the perfect blend of art and the environment, which allowed me to experience nature outside of a textbook.
What advice do you have for future students?
Professor Troy Knight began my Integrated Environmental Studies I class with the following quote from naturalist John Muir: "Tug on anything and you'll find it connected to everything else in the universe." In the same way, I would tell future students that everything is entirely more connected than we'll ever know. Talk to people and make those connections. Get involved on campus. We are truly blessed to be surrounded by such natural beauty here at CSB/SJU. Hike the arboretum trails. Ski them in the winter. Jump in the lake! Go apple picking at the orchards. Travel and experience other environments. Respect your surroundings. Enjoy every moment here, learn, live and carry these passions with you wherever you go.