Meet Our Students - Margaret Hoyt
Why did you choose UMaine and the EES program?
Coming from a very small town in midcoast Maine, I went to a large university out-of-state, thinking I wanted to get out of Maine and go to a big school with lots of new people. It only took me one semester to learn that that wasn’t really what I wanted. I took a semester off and researched the University of Maine. I realized it had an awesome Natural Sciences Program, was much more affordable than other schools and had the most friendly student body out of all the schools I visited. I enrolled at UMaine in the Fall and knew right away I was in the right place. I chose to major in Ecology and Environmental Science because I knew I loved nature. I wasn’t sure what I wanted for a career, but I knew I loved anything involving nature and would be happy with any job that aimed at preserving it.
What has been your favorite class so far?
My favorite class so far has been Sustainable Development Principles and Policies with Tim Waring. We were able to research different sustainability methods, if it’s possible to be a completely sustainable society and if so, what are some ways it can be achieved. We were given freedom to research a sustainability issue and I chose to analyze how western cultures can learn sustainability practices from indigenous cultures. I loved being able to talk about how it can be done rather than reiterate its importance.
Best Hands-On Experience?
Unfortunately, I have little hands on experience as of yet but next semester I am hoping to be involved with the University’s Sustainability Solution Initiative project to research and analyze knowledge to action efforts. I hope to be living in an Eco village in Iceland in the Fall 2012.
What do you do when you aren’t studying or attending classes?
I love to play intramural soccer, walk the trails behind the gym, cross country ski or participate in Maine bound or Wildlife Society activities.
Any words of wisdom for incoming students?
My advice would be to not rush through college. College is so much fun–don’t make yourself crazy by squeezing as many courses as possible into each semester. Also, manage your time so you are not studying all of the time. Spend some time relaxing and getting away from homework because your grades will suffer if you don’t have fun every once and a while.
Any advice for prospective EES Students?
Prospective EES students should know it can be intimidating to study a broad topic like Ecology and Environmental Science but the freedom you are given to find what area you want to concentrate in and the guidance you are given to find that direction, is a huge advantage. I started by knowing I loved the environment and wanted to protect it, but I am now focusing on natural resource policy and will possibly continue with Environmental Law. I love my program and love exploring the immense opportunities that lay ahead of me.