Unsure of her specific academic interests, Miriam had originally come to Ithaca College to play softball while studying to become an environmental lawyer. Her dad, who is a lawyer, had also attended IC, and it was far enough away from her home in Milwaukee, WI, to turn a new slate in college.
She majored in Environmental Studies, attending IC from 2019 to 2023. “I think it’s good for people to know what they’re generally interested in and passionate about. People can find that in a million different ways; some people do find it just through trying new classes, but some people need that experiential learning, and for me, I’m one of those people.” Following her first year at IC, Miriam ended up taking a gap year to do some soul searching. She got a job through the Arizona Conservational Corps as part of AmeriCorps, with her group working at the Flagstaff Area National Monuments, and moving to the Grand Canyon during the fall months. “I really love trail work because I like hiking, I like spending time outdoors and working with my hands. It just kind of fit.” She was originally introduced to the idea of trail work when a friend mentioned that it would be something she’d enjoy.
She emphasizes going out, experiencing the real world and asking questions. “I think having a little bit of that experience, just talking to people, meeting people and experiencing different types of work really helped me find a focus in my academics. It’s hard because environmental science is so broad, and you can do so many things with it that it can feel overwhelming and very unmotivating if you’re like ‘I don’t have this one niche within the broader umbrella within environmentalism.’” She emphasized that you can gain this real world experience anytime during your college career, and do not need to take a whole year off like her, although there’s no shame in taking time to explore.
She returned to IC following her year with Americorps with newfound confidence in her overall direction within the field of environmental science, and even ended up graduating with a seasonal trail conservation job lined up. During her time at IC, Maistelman looked to professor Susan Allen as a role model, who she still talks to frequently to this day. She emphasizes not being scared to ask questions in class. “I was always asking [Susan Allen] questions because I always felt confused in her classes.” She admired Allen for her competence, and worked hard to succeed in her classes, contributing to the strong work ethic that Maistelman has today.
Despite preferring working in the field, Maistelman decided to return to school recently, attending the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, her home city, and working towards her masters in Geographic Information Systems- the creation of spatial geographical data like maps. She is completing this degree in just one semester and moving out west following graduation to start working as a project specialist with the Pacific Crest Trail Association. Maistelman’s experience is just one example of the versatility within the field of Environmental Science, and how staying open to new opportunities could lead you to new paths (or trails) that you never thought you’d end up on.
