Major: Geography
Minors: Global Studies, Community and Regional Planning (through the College of Architecture)
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Favorite book and why:
Everybody Always by Bob Goff - it shows the value of loving your neighbor unconditionally, and I think understanding that concept is extremely important when trying to design a more inclusive community.
Favorite movie and why:
Literally any history documentary because I'm a nerd and geek out over that stuff.
Why geography?
I chose this combo of majors and minors because I want to help more creatively utilize space and move people back into cities that have slowly been declining. I think the most important attribute to a solid community is the connectedness that people can help with each other, so I would like to help foster that. Some of my favorite courses have been CRPL 300 - Community and the Future and anything related to spatial science and GIS. Technology and urban design walk hand in hand so it's cool to get to connect them. They are extremely helpful when trying to focus on sustainability and cultural preservation in an area.
Extra-curricular involvement:
I'm an RA on campus, and that has helped me to get more exposure to people different from me. It's a great way to meet people from all different backgrounds. Highly recommend. I also am involved with the Catholic Newman Center. I have traveled to Nicaragua, and I love the culture there. Being there was what influenced me to study both Global Studies and Community/regional planning.
What are your post-graduation plans?
After graduation, I want to take a year with the Peace Corps, and then get a certificate in GIS while getting my masters in Community/regional planning emphasizing in transportation planning. Ultimately I'd like to work for a nonprofit or the local government of a larger city.
