Because of SFS, I have the career I have today. After SFS, I knew for sure that I needed to be outside, not in a lab. Now, I spend my days in the field and help my community by doing so.

SFS PROGRAM: Sustainable Development Studies | Costa Rica | Spring 2011 (Manú)

HOME SCHOOL WHILE AT SFS: University of San Diego

CURRENT POSITION: Environmental Specialist, San Diego Gas & Electric  

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OR MOST STRIKING SFS MEMORY?

It’s hard to pick one memory, but I think our visit to Palo Verde National Park was the most memorable. We saw incredible sunrise and sunsets, observed the most wildlife out of all of the places we traveled to, and woke up to capuchins jumping on the roof!  

LOOKING BACK, WHAT DID YOU GAIN FROM YOUR TIME AT SFS? DID SFS CONTRIBUTE TO WHERE YOU ENDED UP?

Because of SFS, I have the career I have today. I knew I wanted to be a biologist but didn’t know that I wanted to be a field biologist until I spent a semester with SFS. After SFS, I knew for sure that I needed to be outside, not in a lab. Now, I spend my days in the field and help my community by doing so.  

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A PROSPECTIVE SFS STUDENT?

Take the leap, even if you think the possibility of not having wifi is scary. There’s way more beautiful and interesting things out there to see and do.  

RECOMMEND A GREAT BOOK OR FILM THAT HAD AN INFLUENCE ON HOW YOU VIEW THE ENVIRONMENT.

Ishmael by Daniel Quinn  

IF YOU WERE AN ANIMAL OR PLANT, WHAT KIND WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE?

I would be a redwood tree. They are magnificent and grow strong, tall, and live a very long time.  

February 2018