MENV First Impressions
We asked our first-year MENV students to reflect on their experiences during their first semester. Scroll down to see their insights, or read their highlights below! If you have any questions, with us or email us at MENVAdmissions@colorado.edu.
Brooke Miller (she/her)
Specialization: Environmental and Natural Resource Policy (ENRP)
Hometown: Wheeling, West Virginia
How did you choose your specialization, and what factors influenced that decision?
The policy specialization appealed to my larger academic and career interests. I was drawn in by the curriculum and the potential to develop strong research, writing, and presentation skills. Students learn a little bit about a lot of topics in the first semester which has allowed me to explore my different interests in the program.
If you moved to «Ƶ from another city, how was the transition, and what helped you adjust to the new environment?
I moved to «Ƶ from DC, and it’s my first time living in the Western US. I’ve found that it's easier to make the transition if you keep an open mind and commit to trying new things. I went to almost every MENV event offered in the first semester. Not only did I learn a lot of valuable information from second-year students who have already transitioned into «Ƶ, but I met a lot of other first-year students who were having similar experiences. Prioritizing this community building really helped me in the first few weeks.
What advice would you give to incoming students starting their first semester in the program?
Explore! There are so many interesting classes, students, professors, alumni, collegiate competitions, and ways to be involved. Casting a wide net in your first semester allows you to figure out what you’re interested in and can guide subsequent capstone and class choices. It also allows you to meet students and professors outside of your specialization.
Demi Zuo (she/her)
Specialization: Renewable & Sustainable Energy (RSE)
Hometown: Beijing, China
How did you choose your specialization, and what factors influenced that decision?
My university major was in Environmental Engineering. Although it has been seven years since I completed my studies, I still find environmental research and practice incredibly meaningful and engaging. My recent work experience at an energy company has given me a firsthand understanding of the critical role that clean energy and decarbonization play in today’s world. This experience inspired me to specialize in RSE to contribute more directly to these essential areas.
If you moved to «Ƶ from another city, how was the transition, and what helped you adjust to the new environment?
The transition to «Ƶ was quite an adjustment, but my classmates and other international students were incredibly supportive. People here made a huge difference, helping me feel more comfortable and settled in this new environment.
What advice would you give to incoming students starting their first semester in the program?
I suggest incoming students connect with second-year students as much as possible—they can provide valuable insights into the courses and community here. Also, there are plenty of social events, which are great opportunities to meet people and get involved right from the start.
Sam Cochrane (he/him)
Specialization: Sustainable Food Systems (SFS)
Hometown: Manchester, Vermont
How did you choose your specialization, and what factors influenced that decision?
Hearing Damien, the SFS spec lead, speak about his vision for sustainable farming and design was a big factor in my decision. Having past experience on farms and in food service, I had spent a lot of time around food and wanted to better understand how to heal our broken relationship with what we eat. Another big factor was the realization that land use, deforestation, and biodiversity loss are some of the largest drivers of climate change, and are closely related to agricultural systems around the world.
If you moved to «Ƶ from another city, how was the transition, and what helped you adjust to the new environment?
The transition to «Ƶ was great! Some things I would recommend are: get a bike! Explore the Front Range: hiking is the ultimate de-stressor. Find a “third space,” somewhere apart from home and school where you can hang out and get work done.
What advice would you give to incoming students starting their first semester in the program?
For incoming students, I would say that you get out what you put in. It’s not always easy to keep up with every reading, every assignment, or every social event at MENV. Pick and choose to support your vision for the future, and always keep your career goals in mind as you navigate your first semester. That being said, you don’t need to know everything–make sure to leave space for new ideas. It’s okay if your career ideas change over the semester. Just keep some notes and make sure to set aside time for introspection and reflection.
Joaquin Landivar (he/him)
Specialization: Sustainability in the Outdoor Industry (SOI)
Hometown: Cuenca, Ecuador
How did you choose your specialization, and what factors influenced that decision?
I chose this specialization to obtain a U.S. higher education degree. I already hold a Master’s degree in Science and Technology from a university in Spain, but I have experienced challenges launching my career in the U.S. I selected SOI because of its hands-on applications and real-world impacts. Much of my inspiration is rooted in my past experiences in farming, where I became aware of the power of connecting people with the environment, through interaction and appreciation of outdoor spaces.
What are some of your highlights from the semester?
I really like the personalization of the program. You are not treated as an empty bucket that needs to be filled with knowledge; you are treated holistically. In environmental sciences, you deal with facts that are not 100% pleasant, and that can take a psychological toll. The elective course “Leadership and Ethics” emphasizes leadership and also provides psychological tools, support, and hope to reshape how we deal with different scenarios and facts in the field.
What advice would you give to incoming students starting their first semester in the program?
For international students, I would highly recommend coming to «Ƶ before the program starts to adapt to and interact with the nuances of American culture and the «Ƶ lifestyle. I also can’t speak highly enough of the International English Center at CU «Ƶ. Their English language programs provide newcomers with the skills they need to succeed. I took three sessions of IEC English language courses before starting MENV, and the proficiency I developed has played a critical role in building my confidence and preparing me for the rigor of a Master’s degree in my second language.
Nicholas Cordova (he/him)
Specialization: Urban Resilience & Sustainability (URS), MBA candidate
Secondary Specialization: Renewable & Sustainable Energy (RSE)
Hometown: Vernon, Texas
How did you choose your specialization, and what factors influenced that decision?
A big influence in choosing URS as my primary specialization was my experience cycling across Europe and living in Japan. During each of those experiences, I came to really appreciate how much more inclusive a society is when affordable and reliable public transit is offered to a country’s citizens. I’d like to one day help lead in implementing that type of infrastructure here in America if given the opportunity.
What advice would you give to incoming students starting their first semester in the program?
Come in with an open mind. There are so many different ways to tackle the sustainability issue, and this program does a good job of exposing you to the multitude of ways to help make our planet a better place for current and future generations.