Anne Wolfenden, EES Ambassador
Why did you choose UMaine and the EES program:
I believed UMaine was a good place to grow as person and academically. The EES program was exactly what I was looking for. I love the flexibility and being able to focus on the aspects I enjoy most, such as environmental policy and the economic impacts. In the EES program I get to explore that exact subject through the sustainability concentration.
Best hands on experience and why:
Over the summer I was an intern at Blue Hill Heritage Trust, it was the best summer of my life. The internship allowed me to build connections with a community and come to understand its values. All of my coworkers were incredible and I loved everything from trail maintenance to community outreach. The internship helped me understand the type of job I want in the future – one where I can help my community and conserve the local ecosystem.
Favorite class at UMaine and why:
SMS 230: Marine Policy and Fisheries Management. Hands down one of the best classes I’ve taken so far. I firmly believe that environmental progress can truly happen through policy change. SMS 230 taught me exactly how these policies are made, and how we can get people to support them. I would recommend anyone who is interested in environmental policy to take this class, even if you have no interest in working with fisheries. It was not an easy class and I had to learn a whole new method of studying, but it was the need to apply myself further that drew me into the class.
Wisdom for incoming students:
Balance is key. Do nothing but study and you’ll miss out on life changing experiences, but if you do nothing but party your grades will suffer. It is possible to have both a social life and good academic standing, you just need to find the method that works best for you. I prefer to use time blocking as a time management tool, it helps me dedicate a certain amount of time to one task and also allows me to include breaks throughout a study period.