Environmental Science
Sometimes, 13 can be a lucky number.
Ithaca College was the 13th -- and last -- school that Sarah Araldi visited during the college application process. Sarah, an environmental science major who hails from Westerlo, a town of 3,400 near Albany, wasn't sure whether she wanted to even stay in New York State at all. "But," she says, "once I got here I fell in love -- with the campus, the city, the people -- everything just felt right."
During her initial visit, Sarah spotted "three huge bulletin boards" listing opportunities available to students. Since arriving on campus, she hasn't stopped taking advantage of them. That's partially due to the close relationship she has with her adviser, Susan Allen-Gil, a biology professor who also coordinates the environmental studies program.
"I can literally go to Susan for anything and she gives me her honest opinion," Sarah says. "Over 18 credits? It's doable. Internship as a freshman? It's doable. Conduct research as a sophomore? It's doable. Susan works so hard to keep students involved and learning."
Her internship, which occurred in the summer after her freshman year, was a 40-hour-per-week job with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). As the market and marketing support intern, Sarah was tasked with writing much of the agency's new website. Plus, she says, "I was able to contribute to actual energy campaigns being implemented all over the state." Sarah looks forward to returning to NYSERDA again for a second internship.
Sarah's tireless efforts are paying off in other areas, too. Professor Allen-Gil selected her as a research assistant, praising her mature outlook and "go-getter attitude." "Sarah and two other students worked with me to design a cost-effective rain barrel for water conservation," says Professor Allen-Gil. "The students unveiled their design and first rain barrel at the J. J. Whalen Academic Research Symposium in April, and they already have several orders from folks ready to buy one for their house!"
Although she still has two years left at Ithaca, Sarah is already thinking beyond graduation. She's pursuing an art history minor and thinks she may select a career in environmental planning or urban design.
But no matter which path she chooses, she knows that her IC professors and friends will be behind her every step of the way. "Not one professor has discouraged me if I believed I could do it. It's such a warm, supportive environment. I wouldn't want it any other way."