Student Profiles

Alexandria Lilly, Virginia Tech, Environmental Science 

What was your biggest takeaway? The most profound takeaway this program has shown me is the lasting impact of experiential learning and the connections it fosters with people of all ages, backgrounds, and global locations. Not only did I learn so much through in-class time, but I also learned so much out of class in terms of personal growth and broadening perspectives. The program offered many opportunities to engage with field experts and leaders through thoughtfully arranged excursions. Integrating classroom curriculum with real-world scenarios in important conversations and hands-on experience proved also to be incredibly fulfilling.

What was the best part of being in Monterey this summer? Monterey completely transformed my perspectives on the world, as it revealed to me many new insights, opportunities, and connections I would otherwise not have been exposed to. Monterey is a beautiful place, and it offers so much in terms of biodiversity, natural landscapes, and vibrant community experiences. Additionally, as an epicenter for sustainability and environmental innovation, Monterey also offers valuable lessons in conservation and stewardship of natural resources. 

What was your favorite class? Environmental Media Production, taught by Joan Grossman. In this class we were exposed to many different photography and videography production techniques in a very hands-on way. The School of the Environment has many resources, so we were able to practice the techniques learned with high-tech equipment, making our own film projects as well as our own portfolios for photographs. Being able to experience the natural environment of Monterey through a film lens allowed me to express my creativity in so many ways.

What advice would you have for students considering the program? The questions I remember asking myself before applying to the program were: “How will I know this program is right for me?” “Is it worth it?” “What if things go wrong?” Months later, I am here to say taking the leap of faith in applying and then committing to the program was scary, but one-hundred percent worth it. Because everything this program offers is so unique, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Nicole Craighead, Colorado College, Economics and Mathematics

Why did you choose to do the Middlebury School of the Environment?

Going to the School of the Environment, as in taking any summer classes, is inevitably a sacrifice for the employment opportunities you could be pursuing and the money you could be earning during your summer months. But I can’t think of a better use of my time this past summer. The School of the Environment pushes you not just to consider how we can be leaders in the classroom but to go out into communities and meet with policymakers, economists, and farmers to see how you will implement these leadership skills in the years after you graduate. 

What was the best part of being in Monterey? 

Monterey is an exceptional place for any student to spend their summer in. Knowing it to be an affluent region, I was pleasantly surprised to find how grounding a place Monterey was. The community values promoting different cultures, demographics, and even species. Not a day goes by in the summer without a farmers market, and you can’t pass along the Wharf without seeing notices to respect wildlife. Plus, the mild weather was a luxury in a summer of intense heat waves! 

What surprised you most about the program?

I came into the program knowing that the students and staff would be kind, as it was a Middlebury program. However, my expectations far exceeded my expectations. From the first day, you are well aware that students here are gritty, ambitious, and leaders in all regards, but they also are exceedingly kind and want to learn from one another. The staff are no exception to this: all the teachers I had wanted to work with me to make me excel in the program and beyond my time at SoE; as cliche as it may sound, the teachers genuinely see you as more than a student, and through the many excursions you take with them, the program lends itself to fostering such relationships. 

What advice would you give to a future SoE student?

Don’t try to do everything. Come into the program ready to work and zone in for the six weeks. Completing three college-credit-bearing courses in six weeks is no easy feat, so be prepared to work. But also don’t forget to explore the environment you are in. After all, the School of the Environment is as much about learning about the environment through classes as it is about learning about it through being outdoors. 

Tommy Hillmer, Kenyon College, Environmental Studies

Why did you choose to do the Middlebury School of the Environment? 

I was unable to go abroad during the academic year and wanted to substitute it with a summer program. An email was sent to the environmental studies majors at my school advertising the School of the Environment, and it seemed like the perfect fit!  While it wasn’t “abroad”, I got to experience a new school and new community like I would have in another country.

What was your favorite thing about the program?

Definitely the field trips. Our Fridays were reserved for these trips (so no classes!) and we got to kayak with otters in Moss Landing, meet a speechwriter for Cesar Chavez at the United Farm Workers union office in Salinas, go snorkeling in a kelp forest in Monterey Bay, and hiking in Big Sur, just to name a few!

What was your favorite class? 

Intro to Marine Ecosystems with Professor McKenna. I had never taken a marine biology course before and it made me appreciate just how much the biological diversity that exists in our oceans. We also got to go on several course-specific trips, like to Stanford’s Hopkins Marine Station, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, and tidepooling in Garrapata State Park. We got to meet several experts in the field on these trips and it was incredible to see just how much marine biology research was occurring in the Monterey area.

Victoria Alarcon Macias, University of Denver, International Studies 

What was your favorite thing about the program?

I really enjoyed the connections I made and the life long friendships I gained over the summer. The workshops, guest speakers and the courses where insightful and inspiring. There were so many moments I will never forget. 

What surprised you about the program?

Monterey! I could have never imagined the beauty of this location. I was in love with Monterey— I enjoyed going on walks, hanging near the beach, and visiting nearby locations in California. 

What was your biggest takeaway from the experience?

My biggest takeaway was the shared moments with my peers in and out of the classroom. It was fascinating to learn from others about their love for the environment. Our shared love for community and the protection of Mother Earth brought us closer together. 

Nicholas Ma, Rice University, Asian Studies and Environmental Studies

Why did you choose to do the Middlebury School of the Environment? 

I chose to attend the School of the Environment because this is a one-of-its-kind opportunity to get exposed to the multifaceted nature of environmental challenges that we are facing. Specifically, as someone from the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau in China (the former location of the School of the Environment), I strongly resonated with the curricular approach that incorporates not only the ecological, but also the social, cultural, and policy aspects of issues. I was curious to learn how MSoE applies that framework in a different spatial context in Monterey, California.

What was your favorite thing about the program?

My favorite thing was the field trips with experts. Throughout the program, we visited various sites ranging from wastewater treatment plants to farms. I love the experiential learning experience in which we get to learn many hidden aspects of how our environment and society interact with each other in surprising ways. 

What surprised you about the program?

I was surprised by the community we had in Monterey. Everyone, student, faculty, or staff, were all super friendly and warmhearted individuals who truly care about people and the environment. We had a lot of fun and engaging conversations with each other which shaped me for years to come. 

What was the best part of being in Monterey this summer?

The best part of Monterey is the scenery. The artist Francis McComas summed it up accurately: “the greatest meeting of land and water in the world.” 

Elsa Soderstrom, Middlebury College, Environmental Studies and Geology

Why did you choose to do the Middlebury School of the Environment?

The School of the Environment had piqued my interest when I was deciding which college to attend. I loved the idea of an intensive program that brought passionate students together who are dedicated to learning about the environment and the adaptive ways we can combat climate change. 

What was your favorite thing about the program?

I appreciated the hands-on approach. The School of the Environment places a premium on experiential learning, and I felt like I was able to gain a lot of knowledge while having fun doing so. Classes didn’t feel like a chore, and I was able to explore much of the Monterey region through program excursions.

What was the best part of being in Monterey this summer?

Monterey is the ultimate vacation! I had plenty of time to explore the beaches, run the cliff paths, and enjoy the marine wildlife. The weekly farmers markets had the best fresh fruit, and the food overall was delicious. The city is just big enough to have enough to do, but small enough to feel like you really get to know the place.

What surprised you about the program?

I came into it not knowing anyone and left with a couple really close friends. It’s amazing how exploring a new place can bring people together so quickly.

What advice would you give to students considering the program?

If you have the time and ability to enroll in the program, you won’t regret it. Bring your curiosity and your creativity to be prepared for a nontraditional classroom experience!

Cora Martin, College of William & Mary, Environmental Science & Policy and Latin American Studies

Why did you choose to do the Middlebury School of the Environment?

No other program focuses on the type of environmental issues I am interested in: climate change and coastal resilience, international environmental policy, US public service and government work to protect the environment. Middlebury School of the Environment was the only choice!

What was your favorite thing about the program?

The best part about being in the program was the people. The professors were brilliant and so kind. I enjoyed every conversation in and out of class with them. The other students in the program were all interested in the same things I am interested in. It was so fun to be around like-minded people learning about really important topics every day together. One girl in the program and I started an environmental podcast after the completion of the program.

I also enjoyed the experiential learning inherent to the program. Every week, we got to meet with amazing US public servants involved with environmental protection in the United States. We explored environmental preserves and conservation sites. It was like getting to go on field trips two to three times a week!

What surprised you about the program?

I was surprised by how holistic the program was. You don’t go to Middlebury School of the Environment just to take classes. There are activities, group discussions, games, and movie screenings throughout the six weeks. We were constantly absorbing new information through creative teaching methods. 

What advice would you give to students considering the program?

Be ready to be busy for six weeks. I made the mistake of taking a remote, asynchronous computer science class during the program, which was almost impossible to manage alongside the School of the Environment. You aren’t going to want to miss out on any experiences or group activities!