ABOUT GRACE
- From Poland, OH
- Member of the Class of 2026
- Majoring in environmental and conservation biology
- Flashguide
- Studied abroad in Florence, Italy
Grace's three words that describe Kent State: Beautiful, Exciting, Community
TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A STUDENT AT KENT STATE!
I am a senior environmental and conservation biology student with two minors in environmental studies and park management. My time at Kent State has felt brief but it has been extremely memorable. From studying abroad to getting an internship, along with the incredible classes I have taken and people I have met, Kent State has been an amazing experience.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE KENT STATE?
I chose Kent State because I was looking for a school with a small town feel but with the programs and resources that I wanted. I landed on Kent once I got to see campus and downtown, and got to talk with one of the professors of the Environmental Studies program.
WHEN DID KENT STATE START TO FEEL LIKE HOME?
The first time Kent State started to feel like a home to me was when I met one of my closest friends. I was worried about making friends, as I am not naturally an outgoing or extroverted person (despite being a tour guide I know), and I was terrified I never would. But literally one of the first weeks of the semester I found her, and with our similar interests, majors and career goals, we clicked immediately. My second year here, we moved in to McDowell together and I realized that Kent State could be a second home to me.
WHAT'S A COOL LEARNING EXPERIENCE YOU'VE HAD?
The most unique learning experience I've had during my time as a Kent State Student has been studying abroad. In summer 2024, I spent a month at our most popular program, Florence, Italy. There, I was totally immersed in a new culture and new experiences, and it was incredibly exciting. I went alone, with no idea who my roommates would be, and I had the most memorable experience of my life. I traveled the city in groups and alone. I went to Rome, I went to Switzerland and I truly expanded my world beyond the U.S.
WHO HAS MADE YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE SPECIAL?
Someone at Kent State who has made my college experience special is Dr. Andrew Lepp of the Recreation, Park & Tourism Management program.. I took three classes with him, and each time he was encouraging and welcoming. He truly made me appreciate everything that goes into park management and I will always remember him and his classes fondly.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY?
My favorite memory from my time at Kent State was studying abroad.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS, POST-GRADUATION?
My career goals are related to the conservation of natural resources and public engagement with those resources and conservation. Ideally, I want to split my time between conservation field work and interpretation of natural resources to the public. I believe that nature education is just as important as the physical effort of conservation. My major, environmental and conservation biology, especially when paired with my two minors in environmental studies and park management, have prepared me to be successful with my career, through combining both hands-on-work and development of skills related to park management and engagement.
WHY SHOULD OTHER STUDENTS CHOOSE KENT STATE?
Because of the the amazing support that is available here, from our Career Services to the Center from Undergraduate Excellent and even every individual professor and student. I can go on and on about the programs we have, but it is up to them to decide why Kent State is for them.