Class of 2006

Katie Ashton

I became an ES major because I liked the interdisciplinary nature of the program and I had an interest in environmental studies before coming to Macalester.

I'm not sure yet what I'll be doing after graduation.  I'm exploring job options in a few fields (some outside of environmental studies).  I'm considering applying to grad school in a few years.

Ryan Baugh

I decided to become an ES major before coming to Macalester, gave it up for a while in favor of geography due to weakness of department, but later picked it up.  I can't really remember why I decided to get back, but probably because I care about environmental considerations.

I don't know at the moment what I'll be doing after graduation.  I've applied for Teach for America.  I would like to get a masters degree but if I did that now, I'd choose the wrong field and I'd like to not be a full-time student for a while.  I might work at a summer camp.

Kristalle Chin

Julia Eagles

I came to Macalester with an interest in conservation biology-type environmentalism but have appreciated the department here and its multidisciplinary nature for the way it has changed my perspective and broadened my understanding of environmentalism.  Its flexibility has allowed me to truly explore and take advantage of Macalester's liberal arts curriculum.

After graduation I am interested in doing work related to agriculture, specifically urban and community gardening, at least for now.  My larger interests are in issues of food systems and access so we'll see if any high-end positions are opening up in that field any time soon.

Katie Edwards

I decided to become an ES major because I had an interest in it before high school and of Macalester's interdisciplinary approach - allowing the use of other departments.

I plan on taking a year off before attending law school focusing on environmental law.

Anna Gordon

I became an ES major because I have always been interested in the outdoors and environmental issues.

After graduation I plan on learning more about agriculture and its relation to environmental studies.

Sara Johnson

I took time off, worked on a nature sanctuary and came back to Macalester as an English major.  Halfway through the semester I thought "What am I doing?"  So I followed my passions and became an ES major instead of doing the practical thing.

After graduation I plan to work on a farm until I have an enlightening moment and figure out what to do next.

Matt O'Connor

I became an ES major because I hate pollution.

Immediately after graduation, I plan on working for Teach for America or an internship, to be followed by graduate school.  Ultimately I'd like to do research for an environmental justice-based nonprofit.

Kat Sachs

I became an ES major because I really enjoyed the first ES classes I took.  Then they tried to get rid of the program so I quickly declared to get grandfathered in (I would have done it anyway).

After graduation, I plan on attending graduate/law school after a year of working and traveling.

Ekke Soot

I became an ES major because it really brought many of my interests together.  I also highly value its interdisciplinary approach and very active department with multiple opportunities and events.

After graduation I will continue studies in grad school and after that I will start working as a sustainable development consultant for businesses, industries, government, or NGOs in Estonia.

Roscoe Sopiwnik

I became in ES major because I have an overall interest in Environmental issues in living in a sound way.

After graduation I will be working full-time at Farm In The City in St. Paul as the Garden/CSA/Market Manager and later plan on attending graduate school in environmental planning.

Shoko Takemoto

I became an ES major because I liked the variety of courses that were available and the people in environmental studies.

After graduation I plan on working on environmental issues, hopefully, in Tokyo or Washington, D.C.