Anita Shore enrolled in the online Environmental Sustainability program to deepen her understanding of the environmental challenges facing our world today — and to gain the tools to help address them. Balancing coursework alongside family and professional responsibilities, she found the program’s flexibility, supportive faculty, and real-world relevance especially impactful. In the Q&A below, Anita reflects on her experience and the skills she gained along the way.
How would you describe your overall experience in the Environmental Sustainability program?
My overall experience in the Earth, Society, and Environmental Sustainability online program (concentration Society and the Environment) has been very positive! Across the board, the course material has been very relevant to the multitude of environmental issues we face today. Even though some of these issues are daunting, the professors, through their curriculum, have strived to foster a sense of agency in students so we can meet the issues head-on, and I appreciate that!
What are one or two skills or perspectives you gained from the program that you’ve been able to apply to your work, studies, or daily life?
I benefited from every class that I took in the program! It was important to me to have a foundational understanding of Earth systems and of human influence on them, locally and globally. Not only did I gain a basic scientific understanding of Earth’s processes, but I also developed a range of communication skills that will enable me to speak to friends, family, and community members about the importance of environmental stewardship.
How did the online format fit into your schedule, and what did you find most helpful about learning in this format?
The online learning format worked very well for me! The freedom and flexibility of the online format allowed me to create my daily and weekly coursework schedule around my everyday family and work life. This opportunity allowed me to become more disciplined and hone my time management skills, which are excellent skills to have in life!
How would you describe the support you received from faculty, staff, or classmates while in the program?
The faculty and staff have been extremely supportive and have always responded quickly when I have reached out with questions. The faculty hold Zoom office hours and are also readily available via email. Even though I am learning remotely, the program's online professors include ways for me to connect with my classmates through discussion questions, social forums, or scheduled course-related Zoom “hangout” times. There are ways to connect with others if you choose!