#GatorsLoveDonors
“My name is Gretchen Barbera. I am a third-year student from Yarmouth, Maine. For the 2019 fall semester, I am studying abroad at James Cook University in Townsville, Queensland, Australia which currently means I am 14,953 km from Allegheny.
“I am an environmental science major with a minor in English. Ever since I was little, I knew that I wanted to do something outside and take on the looming environmental challenges that come along with the changing world. It wasn’t until a few weeks into my second semester of sophomore year that I knew I wanted to minor in English. I had a professor who taught a class titled “Literature about the Environment” and I was sold. I have always loved English classes but my Allegheny professors just seemed to open the subject up for me.
“After graduation, I plan on taking a year off to climb the Appalachian Trail and do some volunteer work. After that, the goal is to go back to school to get a master’s degree in environmental science. I’m still not sure what specific field I plan on focusing on, but I know that no matter what I do, I’ll have the right skills to make a difference. Eventually, I would love to write a book or field guide full of plants and animals, science, and adventure.
“At Allegheny, I do as much as I possibly can around campus. That means I am always pulled in a million different directions. I love being able to consider myself involved. On-campus, I work for an organization called Creek Connections where I teach local elementary, middle, and high school students about the French Creek watershed. I work about twelve hours a week, knee-deep in a creek fishing for macro invertebrates or in classrooms looking at the chemistry of different water samples in the surrounding area. I love being able to get off campus and into the community, creating connections between water quality and the different animals that live in the watersheds.
“I play for the Allegheny Women’s Lacrosse team and was just named a First-Team All-Region selection, the 32nd in Gator history. I spend most of my time (when I’m not studying) devoted to the team. My teammates are my best friends and they teach me so many things about myself. Some of the biggest learning experiences for me have been on the field.
“I am also a member of Alpha Chi Omega where I hold a position on the executive board. I have always seen myself as a strong, confident individual and being able to share these same values with other strong women has had a bigger influence on me than I had initially anticipated. Being able to call myself a leader among the sorority has inspired me to reach higher heights and be a better version of myself.
“I went abroad for many different reasons – for personal growth, for the adventure and, most importantly, to find inspiration. With my senior composition looming in the distance, I wanted to take a step back from the grind of typical college life and discover more about myself and what I like before I think about what’s happening after Allegheny. Environmental science is such a broad topic and I wanted to come to Australia to find out what parts of the major really excited me. Being abroad has helped me discover a love for rocks! It has also given me a deeper appreciation for French Creek and all the animals that live there. I love the mountains, the ocean, and everything in between and I feel much more prepared and confident about my future as an environmental scientist.
“While being abroad I have been snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, hiking through the outback, cliff jumping in crystal clear mountain water and studying with some of the most interesting professors. I have also joined the college soccer and ultimate Frisbee teams, as well as the James Cook University Sustainability Club! I brought my busy, involved Allegheny lifestyle abroad with me and I feel like the whole world has opened up to me. I can do anything.
“Thank you so much for your generous scholarship. Knowing that alumni from Allegheny are supporting me from thousands of miles away means so much. After being abroad, I feel like I am so much more capable of the things I wish to accomplish. Knowing that I have people like you within the Allegheny community rooting for me is incredible. Thank you so much for supporting my personal growth, education, and inspiration.”
Sincerely,
Gretchen Barbera ‘21