As the semester at SMSC comes to an end, we are asked to reflect on our time in this program. If there was one word to describe this program, it would be influential.

This program allowed me to improve my writing and my communication skills dramatically. During our class time, we were often in discussions that gave everyone the opportunity to share and engage in meaningful and thought provoking discussions. I recall throughout the semester having great discussions during our Journal Clubs about various conservation topics. I also gained communication skills through our group discussions such as the scenario planning and build-a-zoo assignments. These discussions had moments of professional disagreement that taught us skills for working through conflict.

This semester was filled with writing assignments, from blogs, to PDE’s, to case studies, and more. To some students this is probably a negative, but for me, I love writing. As I continued to write throughout the semester, I could see the improvements within my writing, not only in a casual tone, such as the blogs, but also professionally through my case study essay.

The curriculum at SMSC is the basis of the program but the real influence comes from the professional and social development that happens on campus. Through my practicum experience working on invasive species management with John Whitmoyer, the land manager at SCBI, I got to wake up excited every Monday ready to go into the field. During my practicum work days, I got to shadow and learn hands on from a professional in the field, and learned countless tips and tricks about land management that you could never learn from a class. There was also countless opportunities to meet with and connect with scientists, researchers, and professionals at SCBI. The opportunities for networking during your semester at SMSC are infinite.

The impact field trips have had on me throughout the semester can not be understated. Almost every week we had a field trip to a new place relating to the topic we were studying that week. Multiple times throughout the semester I said to myself “man, I could see myself doing this” during a field trip. Getting to see what professionals actually do during their day to day was so influential for my decision on what I want to pursue for my future career.

SMSC is not just all about professional development, social development is everywhere too. From rock climbing at Elisabeths Furnace to swimming in Passage Creek to hiking at Buzzard Rocks, there are so many incredible places to make memories with your friends at SMSC.

SMSC has been an incredibly influential time for me and I will remember the memories I have made here forever.

thank you, smsc.

conflict is just part of the game.