Awards

Major: Environmental Studies

Minor: Critical Race and Ethnic Studies 

Involvement: 

• Education intern at Shelburne Farms 
• Member childcare associate at the YMCA 
• Senior thesis on the impact of incorporating diversity, equity, justice, or inclusion concepts and frameworks into environmental education programs

Claire’s Reflections:

“Issues of equity and justice have always been very important to me and when I first took a CRES course freshman year, I realized I still had so much more to learn. I decided to minor in CRES because I think it is so important to approach every topic and area of study through an equity lens. Pairing CRES with environmental studies allowed me to think more critically about environmental issues and my power and privilege in the world. After graduation, I am eager to bring my knowledge of CRES to environmental education to bring equal opportunities for all students and show that they have a place outdoors. I am extremely grateful to be a part of the CRES program at UVM and would encourage every student to take CRES courses.”

Majors: Music Technology and Business

Minor: Critical Race and Ethnic Studies

Kaia’s Reflections:

“I ended up choosing CRES as a minor because I found myself continuing to be drawn
to courses that discussed race and race relations within the United States. I personally think that it is so important to understand the foundations of how this country
was built, and how race based oppression continues to be perpetuated within our
current systems, so that we can then begin to discover how to successfully disrupt
and dismantle those systems.”

Major: Early Childhood Education

Minor: Critical Race and Ethnic Studies

Emma’s Reflections: 

“Emma views the Critical Race and Ethnic Studies minor as integral in their work as an educator. Pursuing the CRES minor expanded and deepened their understanding of the structural inequities and oppressive systems that affect every individual and invited them to think more critically about how to engage in discussions about inequities with young children. Upon graduating, Emma looks forward to using what they have learned throughout the Critical Race and Ethnic Studies program to ensure the teaching they engage in approaches education in an equitable, just, and liberatory way.”

Analise E. Taylor, Sociology

Major: English major

Minor: Critical Race and Ethnic Studies and Consumer and Advertising

Kate’s Reflection:

• A CRES minor is incredibly important to the academic world as a whole as the benefits of thinking about identity in a critical way are immeasurable.
• As an English major, I find my growing understanding of critical race theory and ethnic studies to be especially applicable, as I am able to apply my readings of theory to all of the novels and literature I read.
• Professionally, my CRES minor allows me to offer a different perspective on the world that other employees may not be able to—a deeper understanding of how our social cultural world works and how to fight against oppression and privilege.
• I appreciate being able to offer a space for my peers to discuss difficult, confusing topics such as race and I find believe that this is an impact that I have had on my community as a result of my CRES minor.