“I learned to ask for help, gather information, and navigate unfamiliar territory, along with conflict resolution, teaching, creativity, and communication.”
Major: Environmental Studies
Lives in: Los Angeles, CA
What work looks like: “I teach garden-based science programs for elementary school students in Los Angeles. My work includes developing lesson plans, tending the school gardens, and leading hands-on activities. I also make and teach pottery on the side.”
What she loves about it: “I love that my work allows me to positively impact people in lasting ways. Whether it is helping a child overcome their fear of worms, watching a group of kids discover a new favorite vegetable in the garden, or helping adults reconnect with their senses and creativity through pottery, I value creating experiences that stay with people.”
What she gained from a liberal arts education: “I learned to ask for help, gather information, and navigate unfamiliar territory, along with conflict resolution, teaching, creativity, and communication. I wouldn’t have my small pottery business if it weren’t for the pottery classes I took at UVM. I have always been drawn to a wide range of interests, and a liberal arts education gave me the freedom to explore them deeply. During my senior year at UVM, I would bike to a nearby farm for my internship, then head to an African drumming class, spend time working on my thesis in the library, and often end the day in the pottery studio. That balance of intellectual, creative, and hands-on experiences has shaped the way I move through life. I still make time for interests and creative practices outside work, and I believe having that kind of balance is essential for living a grounded life.”