Year Two
Sophomore year offered me my first upper level courses and connections with more students and professors in my departments. I learned from my professors' and peers' experiences and was invited to begin thinking about professional experiences I would like to have in the future. Building my network lead to more involvement in my classes and across campus.
HNRS Ecology
Fall 2018
This was my favorite class of the semester. Ecology was my first focused class for my environmental biology degree and was my favorite class I had ever taken at the time. We introduced common field methods, experimental design and data analysis. A large portion of the eight week class was focused on writing a small group research proposal, which I had never done before. The proposal gave me insight into what steps must be taken even before field work and provided a foundation for Advanced Ecology the following semester. The proposal gave both intellectual and leadership opportunities.
HNRS Advanced Ecology
Spring 2019
Advanced Ecology picked up where Ecology stopped the previous semester. Ecological patterns and processes were emphasized throughout the semester, with focus on conservation biology and theory at the end of the semester. The lab focused on group research manuscripts. Along with writing the research proposal, we conducted the field research, spending hours in the field and lab collecting and analyzing benthic macroinvertebrate biodiversity, as well as completing the corresponding statistical tests. This is, to this day, my favorite class I have ever taken and made me excited to do my own future research.
Spanish Major
Fall 2018 - Spring 2019
I took two Spanish classes this year: Advanced Grammar and Composition, and the Culture of Spanish America. This year was spent making connections with other Spanish majors while reviewing technical grammatical skills, presentational speaking, and learning about Latin American history and culture. I had never had a formal Latin American history or culture class, which gave me some insight into the lessons I had learned in school and whose stories were left out. Course topics and student presentations opened my eyes to how much I did not know about the impact of Latin America on the global level in politics, film, literature, art, etc. I began a lifelong journey in appreciating some of the complexities of Latin American culture and the trials that have lead to today's vibrant and colliding cultures throughout the region.
Environmental Biology Major
Fall 2018 - Spring 2019
I was excited to be enrolled in my first upper levels courses this year. Courses included: Ecology, Evolution, General Physics, Advanced Ecology, Biostatistics, Intro to GIS, and Inorganic Chemistry. Advanced Ecology, Biostatistics and Intro to GIS were especially beneficial for me. Advanced Ecology helped me realize that I want to be a field biologist and gave me both field and lab experience. Intro to GIS showed me how powerful GIS and remote sensing can be in field work. This class made me want to learn more about GIS because of its elegance, simplicity and power. GIS provides the tools to make spatially explicit models that are necessary in current biological research. Biostatistics had a learning curve (pun intended), but helped me think like a scientist. I now feel more prepared to interperate scientific literature for mysefl in the future.
Drury Neighborhood Association (DNA)
DNA partners with Drury to provide summer enrichment for Boyd Elementary students. Once students graduate from the program, they are invited back in high school as role models for current program students. These high school students are mentored in turn by volunteer Drury students (like me) and professors. DNA focuses on building relationships with students and their families to develop a community and offer support.
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In more tangible terms, we prepare a weekly meal with the families and spend the evening at Silver Springs Pool. We also plan and chaperone 3 larger day trips throughout the summer, including a float trip with volunteer master canoers, a Table Rock Lake day, and a day at Chesterfield Indoor Aquatic Center.
Music
Fall 2018 - Spring 2019
Music continued to be an important part of my life at Drury. I sang in Chorale during the fall semester, but had to leave because of my spring workload. I continued playing and performing with DUkes and made new friends along the way. Singing and ukulele were beneficial stress relievers and an expressive outlet. A highlight was performing with my friend Olivia at an open mic with other DUkes friends!
Leadership and Extracurriculars
Fall 2017 - Spring 2018
I had a variety of service and leadership opportunities this academic year. I was an RA, VP of the Honors Student Association (HSA), a Spanish tutor, and an active member of Allies, DUkes, Tri Beta, and Panthers for Prevention. I also had the opportunity to go an an Alternative Spring Break trip to Detroit, MI.
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Residence Life
This was my first year as an RA and a wonderful experience. I worked closely with my Residence Life team to build hall community and enforce policy. My residents and fellow RACAs made me more empathetic, communicative and open. Being an RA pushed me to stay organized and inquisitive. Every time I thought I had learned all I needed to know, a new situation would present itself. Staying humble and asking questions myself helped me provide the best support for my residents.
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Alternative Spring Break
My team worked on a variety of projects with Cass Community Social Services (Cass) in Detroit. We met many individuals who are dedicating their lives to supporting others through difficult and traumatic situations including: racial disparities, generational poverty, homelessness, and poor city planning/governing. This week made me thankful for what I have and helped me make connections to what work I can do in my own community.