Chesapeake Bay Foundation educator talks about life after Richmond at Real World 2008

The Real World: Student-Alumni Life Experiences Program is an annual two-day life experiences program for all University of Richmond students. The program is designed to help students better understand the lifestyle changes they can expect after graduation as well as to build lasting and meaningful relationships with UR alumni from a wide range of career fields. Learn more about this year's program, which takes place on February 8-9, 2008.

So, you graduated. What was that first year out on your own like? Did you land the job of your dreams, travel, move home with mom and dad?

After graduation in May, I moved home with my mom for a bit and worked at her family business.  By August, I had started a job with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation where I interned the summer before senior year.  I was in one of the most unique spots in the country – Smith Island.  For the next three and a half years I worked as an environmental educator, showing students and teachers the wonders of the Chesapeake Bay and the special lives of the Smith Island residents.  Participants come on three-day field experiences that consist of being up for the sunrise, going strong outside until you get to lay on the dock at night, watching millions of stars and telling ghost stories before bed.  We would canoe, set crab pots, play in the marshes and chat with the local watermen.  So yes, I landed the job of my dreams.

In July 2006, my boyfriend (my high school sweetheart) proposed. By December I had moved from Smith Island to Annapolis, Maryland.  I started a new job with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation as the education outreach coordinator at their headquarters.  Now I get to still work with students and teachers but in a more focused capacity, providing the resources so that they can take action at home after they return from a field experience.  It’s a new version of my dream job.  

Is what you’re doing now related to what you studied at Richmond?

I think my job will always be environmentally focused.  It’s more of a passion rather than just an interest or a major.  I appreciate the opportunity that Richmond provided to be in the pioneering class of environmental studies majors, but I also appreciate working at an organization that has many years of experience.

A few years out of college, all of the coursework is probably starting to blur together. What’s the one academic experience or class that really stayed with you?

My leadership classes stand out in my mind.  I definitely use the discussion method in my own teaching now.  I also teach leadership skills to students and to my peers in our environmental programs. 

What made you want to come back to Richmond to participate in Real World? What’s the piece of advice you’re dying to share with current students?

I loved my whole experience at Richmond.  I lived on campus one summer and really got to know the city.  It is such a fun place to be!  I would encourage students to get off campus as much as possible. I would also encourage students to study what they’re interested in, something fun.  And not what they ultimately want to do. 

What are you reading? Name a book that’s on your bedside table.

The Glass Castle, The Owners Manual to YOU, An Island Out of Time

I knew I’d officially graduated from college when…

I had to turn in the key to my on-campus apartment. 

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