May 3, 2021
Personal Background
I grew up in rural Vermont, to which I attribute my interest in environmental conservation and sustainability. Growing up in Vermont necessitates engaging in outdoor activity, as there is not much infrastructural alternative. Spending most of my time outside exposed me to the importance of the natural landscape, both for recreation and survival.
The environmental interest that stemmed from my childhood exposure was further defined in academically pursuing the topic at The Island School, a high-school semester program located in Eleuthera, Bahamas. The program is centered around sustainability and conservation, providing both an immersive social and science based approach to learning. With a multidimensional research component, The Island School spurred me to broaden my view of environmentalism.
My experience and knowledge I gained at The Island School significantly contributed to my choice to pursue an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies at The University of Vermont. This area of study continued to shape me and my interest in conserving our natural habitat- both for our survival as a species as well as for the organisms suffering from the effects of human generated pollution and degradation.
Similarly, my experience during and post-undergrad has pushed me to understand that in order for environmental progress to be made, the approach needs to be adapted to our current social, economic, and technological trajectory. With society advancing further down the path of technology, I believe that environmentalism needs to follow suit.
In completing the Flatiron School’s software engineering bootcamp, I aim to adapt and hone my ability to impact the course environmentalism takes going forward. The job market is continuing to move in the direction of tech across all industries, including many environmental companies. Having observed this trend, I believe that pursuing an education in software engineering will provide the most viable route through which to contribute and shape the future of environmentalism.
Now, having completed the Software Engineering program with Flatiron School, I feel I have a strong foundation with which to build off of throughout my career in tech. The ability (necessity) to continue to learn is something that is attracted me to software development; I am looking forward to advancing my skill and combining my personal, professional and academic background with my experience in software development in a occupational setting.
