One of the core themes that the Environmental Studies program strives to instill in its students is the idea of doing greater good. Amanda Gangwish, an ENVR alum, has done just that. Graduating in December of 2016 with a Biology degree and an Environmental Studies degree from CASNR with an emphasis in natural resources, Gangwish now serves as the Program Director for Conservation Nebraska. She oversees their environmental education and advocacy programs, and works to protect the state’s natural legacy through supporting communities and increasing civic engagement. She was kind enough to answer a few questions about her time in the program, which can be found below.
Q: One of the core values of the Environmental Studies program at UNL is to do greater good. How did your time within the ENVR program embody that? How has it influenced you after graduation?
A: “One of the best things about the Environmental Studies program is the preparation it gives you for your next steps out of college. The coursework, professors, and fellow classmates all encourage you to find your passion and find how you can use that passion to do greater good. Because of this focus throughout my undergraduate career I found a passion for helping others, a passion for communicating, and a passion to make positive change. All of this led me to where I am today, and gave me the experiences I needed to succeed.”
Q: What doors opened for you as a result of doing greater good?
A: “Throughout my four years at Conservation Nebraska, I have been able to truly embody the value of doing greater good. I have been able to help communities across our state address some of their most pressing needs and concerns. I have been able to impact our state and move it towards positive change that will better all of our futures. By focusing on the value of doing greater good, I have been able to meet wonderful people across our state who share the same passions, goals, and ideals as me.”
Q: How did your involvement with the program prepare you for internship/employment experiences down the line?
A: “As a student in the Environmental Studies program, I was afforded the opportunity to work on projects, partake in classes, and find educational pathways that benefited my professional development. The coursework offered gave me the educational background I needed to be successful in my career, the projects I participated in gave me real world experience, and the ability to still follow passions throughout my educational pathway kept me motivated to seek what I was passionate about and learn where I could make a difference.”
Q: How did the program motivate you to be proactive and seek out opportunities outside the university? Did you have any environmental internships/jobs during your time in the program?
A: “Throughout my time in the ENVR program, we were encouraged to seek opportunities outside of general coursework to learn, explore, and develop. Both the required academic courses/studies and thoughtful pushing from our professors and counselors kept myself and other ENVR students motivated to find things outside our comfort zone. After encouragement from others, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Australia where I was able to learn and grow both academically and personally. I was also lucky enough to intern with the National Park Service in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where my passion for science communication and environmental education grew immensely.”
Q: In the professional world, you have partnered with Dr. Gosselin's ENVR 319 class through Conservation Nebraska. What has that experience been like for you, as the professional instead of the student?
A: “As a professional, I find it rewarding to work with students who are sitting where I once was. My hope is that I am always providing the guidance and learning opportunities I was granted when I was a student. Being able to provide the real world experience for students is something I have greatly enjoyed.”
Q: What advice would you give to a new Environmental Studies student looking to develop attributes that will help them be successful in their career?
A: “Push yourself outside of your comfort zone. When I first started in the program, I thought I had things figured out, but because I was pushed to explore new things and learn about what else was out there, I found a new passion I had not even considered before. I am where I am today because of my time in the Environmental Studies program and the constant encouragement I had to push myself and to find my passions and talents. When you get outside of your comfort zone you learn new things about yourself, and this might just send you towards a future you didn't know existed.”