It is often said that one will change majors in college, and that was true for me as well. I started out in Civil and Environmental Engineering in the Fall of 2011, but quickly learned that I simply had no interest in pursuing a career in engineering. That is when I found ACE, particularly the concentration of Environmental Economics and Policy. This stood out to me as being something that I would be interested in, so I adjusted my schedule and worked towards its requirements. Next semester, I was in.

There I discovered that I loved economics, law, and environmental studies. Since then, I have participated in several awesome things related to my studies such as the Illini Foresters group and a class in the greater Yellowstone area. I have also gotten to know several of the faculty members, who really strive to make their students feel welcome and help them to the best of their abilities. ACE really is a unique place and I am glad that I can be here.