Taylor Schmitt - NMU Blog

NMU caught my eye with how many environmental and sustainability focuses they had through groups, programs, and the people that live here. Many of the programs and courses were unique, especially with having the opportunity to study the Upper Peninsula and its geographical and social history. It's also surrounded by the beauty of Marquette and Mama Superior.

I actually started off as a psychology major my freshman year. Then I got involved with our campus group EcoReps and realized that was where I was supposed to be. The students and faculty in my department are some of the most caring individuals, not only about their areas of study and expertise, but about their peers as well. It is a wonderful environment to be in.

One of the coolest things that I've had the opportunity to do as an EEGS student was helping to write Northern's official 2030 Sustainability Plan for my Environmental Justice class. It was empowering to see the payoff from all of the hard work that I, my classmates, and my professor put in.

I am currently heavily involved in our on-campus sustainability group called EcoReps, which is a group that provides students resources and knowledge on how to address environmental, social, and economic sustainability issues. We are currently working with students to bring their sustainability ideas to fruition and implement them on campus. Through EcoReps, some of us grouped up with some professors and community members to write a Climate Emergency declaration and Action Plan for the City of Marquette, which so far is receiving their full support. Even a year ago, I wouldn't have imagined myself having the opportunity to be involved in things like this. I am also involved in our Student Leader Fellowship Program, where students learn what kind of leader they are and how to embrace and utilize their strengths as a leader and in their everyday lives, which has been a very rewarding experience.

I feel very passionately about being involved in my community, wherever that may be. I have always wanted to travel to multiple big cities, and working with urban sustainable agriculture in areas that might not have access to fresh food otherwise is my intent, whether I get paid well or not.

Join us here at Northern! Get involved with your campus community and you'll meet the most wonderful people, grow as a person, and be able to make the change you want to see. Be the you that you want to be.