"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.The winds will blow their own freshness into you... while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."
-John Muir
PLAN OF STUDY
Throughout my career as a college student I have taken many courses, well over 120 hours and I still do not have my degree. This is because until I knew about the Interdisciplinary Program, I was just taking classes that I was interested in and that I thought were relevant. Those classes did not necessarily fit my degree from a one major standpoint, and that never made sense to me. However, now that I am learning about interdisciplinary studies, they all seem to fit in somewhere with what I am trying to do. My two fields of focus include Conservation Biology and Art History (because photography was not an option). I would like to use photography as a means of promoting conservation.
I have already taken many courses in my core areas. Some of the biology-related classes include Bio 187 (macro biology; groups, large scale) and 188 (microbiology; individuals, small scale) which are introductory classes for biology majors. I have also taken Environmental Biology which discusses different species of plants and animals, and human effects on the environment. Entomology was a class on bugs and impacts of them on their surrounding environments, also the affects of pesticides to the environment and alternatives to them. I am in the process of taking two courses as well this semester. The first is Ecology, which discusses the energy flow, population and community ecology, biogeochemical cycling, and integrates them together. The second class I am taking is Organic Evolution. This is a really interesting class that basically lays out all of the evidence for evolution and discusses why they came to certain conclusions using comparative analysis and fossil records.
In the Art History half of my degree I have taken History of Art which briefly went through the different time periods from ancient art to middle ages. Then, I had Art from Renaissance to Present. I also took Art of Asia which included art from China, Japan, and India. Pre-Columbian Art was a look at groups like the Inca and Mayans and was extremely interesting. Native American Art of the Southwest was really great because we would get extra credit for going to see these amazing cliff dwellings that still exist in Arizona. And just to top it off, Women in Visual Arts which discussed women in the arts from about 1400 A.D to present.
Some other relevant courses that I have taken include all of my photography classes. Introduction to Photography and Photo II both teach basic methods of picture taking, lighting, framing, mounting prints, and darkroom techniques. Color Photography uses a different machine for developing then do black and white photographs, so, I got to learn how to use one of those. History of photography went through the time periods from the invention of cyanotypes through the present. The class Understanding Photographs showed me how to interpret what I was seeing in the image. And also, 2-Demensional design taught me how to lay out a balanced image in a frame on a 2-demensional surface. So, I would say that I have a pretty good understanding of Photography.
Some other classes I have taken that I think will be helpful for my major are Sociology, Ethics, Philosophy of Religion, Psychology, Creative Writing, and Speech.
I only have seven classes left until I graduate! I plan to take Bio 317 in the winter if they offer it. This class is Conservation Biology, which again is my major. In the spring of 2008 I plan on taking Bio 410 which is Wildlife Conservation Biology. I will take Bio 425, which is Animal Ecology, and both BIS 401 and 402. And also, I will be taking ARS 406, Roman Art. Then, in the summer I will have to take one class Bio 470, Systematic Zoology. Then, I will graduate August 2008. That is very exciting.
I believe all of the classes that I selected go perfectly with my Degree. Two of the classes; Bio 317 Conservation Biology and Bio 410 Wildlife Conservation Biology have my major right in their names, Conservation Biology. So, these classes are directly related to my field of study. Bio 425 Animal Ecology relates to my major because it discusses different animal habitats and their distribution. BIS 401 and 402 are core classes that I need to take, and also will further help me to integrate my ideas of Photography and Conservation Biology. I believe BIS 401 is research with a professor which I am really looking forward to. Bio 470 Systematic Zoology shows how certain organisms are grouped and named according to their similarities and differences. Also, ARS 406 Roman Art, is the only time period that I am missing from my Art History requirements.
In general, I believe I have a good grasp so far on my disciplines and what I am trying to do in life. I have taken many classes in biology, sociology, psychology, philosophy, photography, and art history. I believe these all of the areas tie into one another by using some concrete thought and some original thought. It is great to have objective ideas when confronting a problem, but you can also learn a lot about a situation by hearing subjective opinions. I am really happy I am an Interdisciplinary student. I really do feel like I am getting a more well-rounded education. I believe all learning should be like this, and then maybe we would not have as many problems in the world to begin with because people would be solving their issues logically.
I have already taken many courses in my core areas. Some of the biology-related classes include Bio 187 (macro biology; groups, large scale) and 188 (microbiology; individuals, small scale) which are introductory classes for biology majors. I have also taken Environmental Biology which discusses different species of plants and animals, and human effects on the environment. Entomology was a class on bugs and impacts of them on their surrounding environments, also the affects of pesticides to the environment and alternatives to them. I am in the process of taking two courses as well this semester. The first is Ecology, which discusses the energy flow, population and community ecology, biogeochemical cycling, and integrates them together. The second class I am taking is Organic Evolution. This is a really interesting class that basically lays out all of the evidence for evolution and discusses why they came to certain conclusions using comparative analysis and fossil records.
In the Art History half of my degree I have taken History of Art which briefly went through the different time periods from ancient art to middle ages. Then, I had Art from Renaissance to Present. I also took Art of Asia which included art from China, Japan, and India. Pre-Columbian Art was a look at groups like the Inca and Mayans and was extremely interesting. Native American Art of the Southwest was really great because we would get extra credit for going to see these amazing cliff dwellings that still exist in Arizona. And just to top it off, Women in Visual Arts which discussed women in the arts from about 1400 A.D to present.
Some other relevant courses that I have taken include all of my photography classes. Introduction to Photography and Photo II both teach basic methods of picture taking, lighting, framing, mounting prints, and darkroom techniques. Color Photography uses a different machine for developing then do black and white photographs, so, I got to learn how to use one of those. History of photography went through the time periods from the invention of cyanotypes through the present. The class Understanding Photographs showed me how to interpret what I was seeing in the image. And also, 2-Demensional design taught me how to lay out a balanced image in a frame on a 2-demensional surface. So, I would say that I have a pretty good understanding of Photography.
Some other classes I have taken that I think will be helpful for my major are Sociology, Ethics, Philosophy of Religion, Psychology, Creative Writing, and Speech.
I only have seven classes left until I graduate! I plan to take Bio 317 in the winter if they offer it. This class is Conservation Biology, which again is my major. In the spring of 2008 I plan on taking Bio 410 which is Wildlife Conservation Biology. I will take Bio 425, which is Animal Ecology, and both BIS 401 and 402. And also, I will be taking ARS 406, Roman Art. Then, in the summer I will have to take one class Bio 470, Systematic Zoology. Then, I will graduate August 2008. That is very exciting.
I believe all of the classes that I selected go perfectly with my Degree. Two of the classes; Bio 317 Conservation Biology and Bio 410 Wildlife Conservation Biology have my major right in their names, Conservation Biology. So, these classes are directly related to my field of study. Bio 425 Animal Ecology relates to my major because it discusses different animal habitats and their distribution. BIS 401 and 402 are core classes that I need to take, and also will further help me to integrate my ideas of Photography and Conservation Biology. I believe BIS 401 is research with a professor which I am really looking forward to. Bio 470 Systematic Zoology shows how certain organisms are grouped and named according to their similarities and differences. Also, ARS 406 Roman Art, is the only time period that I am missing from my Art History requirements.
In general, I believe I have a good grasp so far on my disciplines and what I am trying to do in life. I have taken many classes in biology, sociology, psychology, philosophy, photography, and art history. I believe these all of the areas tie into one another by using some concrete thought and some original thought. It is great to have objective ideas when confronting a problem, but you can also learn a lot about a situation by hearing subjective opinions. I am really happy I am an Interdisciplinary student. I really do feel like I am getting a more well-rounded education. I believe all learning should be like this, and then maybe we would not have as many problems in the world to begin with because people would be solving their issues logically.
PERSONAL NARATIVE
I grew up the beautiful area of Lake County Illinois. Enshrouded in trees, fields, and lakes, it is truly a magnificent place. It is green there as far as the eye can see which one learns to appreciate after moving to the desert. I have always had a deep connection to nature and all the life it holds. There has always been a sense of wonder for me even when just simply looking out the window. My mother always pointed out the wonder of the natural world to me whether it was in an interesting-looking bug, a colorful bird, or the “painted skies” as she likes to call the sunrise and sunset. This feeling was amplified on a day that I will never soon forget, because it changed my outlook on life completely.
I was eighteen years old and fresh out of high school, the world was my oyster. I enrolled in College of Lake County and got an after school job at K.B. Toys. Life was great, as far as I knew. I had a few really close friends that I would always go hiking, camping, or traveling to see music with. I loved my life; I had never felt so free before. Then, one faithful day, my boss at K.B. Toys accused me of stealing $200 from the register. I had never done such a thing in my life! Also, I am a firm believer in the Golden Rule “do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” Since I was the newest employee there, nothing I could have said would have made them believe me. Then I remembered that someone had asked me for a lot of change that day and kept making me count it. I thought it was weird but since I was new there, I didn’t want to act like I couldn’t handle a situation. So, I told my boss about that and at first he did not believe me (however, the short-changer got other stores in the mall that day as well, so they eventually found out I did not steal that money). However, at this point I was still the number one suspect and also was possibly out of a job.
I was hysterical on my drive home, which I normally really enjoyed the relaxing scenery. All of a sudden, a June bug (a giant maroon beetle) flew through my car window and hit me right in the neck. I thought I had been shot! I was screaming and crying. Could this day really get any worse? What did I do to deserve this? Finally, I pulled over and saw the little bugger on my pant leg. At least I had not been shot, I thought. At that moment I looked up and realized that my favorite road to drive down (Bacon Road) was completely torn up with construction, I was so upset about work I hadn’t even noticed. The farms were gone, the animals were gone, and all that was left was tilled up dirt. I looked ahead; surely they did not cut down the most beautiful oak tree in the area that was right by the road side, there would be no reason for it. It was the perfect tree, completely symmetrical, exquisite in every season. They had cut it down. I answered my own question, that day could get worse. After I had seen this awful, depleted sight, it was the only thing I could think about. I decided that I hate retail, I loathe the idea of money. Why was I working in a toy store? I wished I would have taken pictures of that tree, but now it was too late. Now anyone who had not seen that tree would never get to, and literally, that hurt my heart. This was happening all over the world every single day. I realized that I could do something about it. I declared my major as photography at CLC, and decided that I was going to take pictures so that people could see how beautiful the world around them really is. I graduated from CLC in 2005 with an Associate’s Degree in Art. And that August I moved to Arizona to attend Arizona State University.
While getting my degree in Photography I thought to myself, “Do I really just want to graduate with a degree in photography? What is the one thing that I care about the most in life? That is what I should be doing for a living.” I contemplated this idea long and hard and figured out the answer. The Earth was the most important thing in my life (and in reality it should be in everyone’s) because without the world around you, there is no you. It is literally the one thing that no one can live without. So I looked into it. I remembered the words my parents always told me “if you want something in life, all you have to do is get up and get it.” If you want something bad enough, you’ll do it. I am a firm believer that what you think is what you get. You can make a situation excellent or miserable depending on the way you look at it. One thing I pride myself in is trying to stay positive and always trying to make the best of a situation (I recommend jokes and high-fives to lighten the mood).
I found the Interdisciplinary Department at ASU and it sounded like exactly what I needed. I could get a degree in Conservation Biology to save the things that can’t save themselves, and also a degree in Art History with an emphasis on Photography so that I could show people what it is I was saving. It was almost too good to be true. I was blown away that there was really a job where I could be outside actually doing field work, getting my hands dirty and also keep record of my accomplishments with photographs and hopefully spreading the message of conservation with them as well.
I am less than a year away from graduating and I have never felt so on track before. I really get the sense that I finally figured out my life and what I want to happen in it. I just know that this is exactly what I am meant to do. I have such empathy for things that I can not even begin to explain. Whenever I see anything happy or sad, I literally feel it in my heart. I am not doing this so that I can be recognized as some famous scientist; I am doing it so that the world around us can have a chance to be seen and experienced, not just remembered as something that was there in the past. I believe that the world as a whole needs to wake up and realize that what is happening to the innocence of nature around us, is from us! My goal is not to get a job that will make me rich; it is to protect the things that I loved the most in the world, to do something that makes my heart happy. That is all the reward that I need. One of my favorite quotes says it all, “Take nothing but photographs, and leave nothing but footprints” and that is exactly the way I intend to live my life.
I was eighteen years old and fresh out of high school, the world was my oyster. I enrolled in College of Lake County and got an after school job at K.B. Toys. Life was great, as far as I knew. I had a few really close friends that I would always go hiking, camping, or traveling to see music with. I loved my life; I had never felt so free before. Then, one faithful day, my boss at K.B. Toys accused me of stealing $200 from the register. I had never done such a thing in my life! Also, I am a firm believer in the Golden Rule “do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” Since I was the newest employee there, nothing I could have said would have made them believe me. Then I remembered that someone had asked me for a lot of change that day and kept making me count it. I thought it was weird but since I was new there, I didn’t want to act like I couldn’t handle a situation. So, I told my boss about that and at first he did not believe me (however, the short-changer got other stores in the mall that day as well, so they eventually found out I did not steal that money). However, at this point I was still the number one suspect and also was possibly out of a job.
I was hysterical on my drive home, which I normally really enjoyed the relaxing scenery. All of a sudden, a June bug (a giant maroon beetle) flew through my car window and hit me right in the neck. I thought I had been shot! I was screaming and crying. Could this day really get any worse? What did I do to deserve this? Finally, I pulled over and saw the little bugger on my pant leg. At least I had not been shot, I thought. At that moment I looked up and realized that my favorite road to drive down (Bacon Road) was completely torn up with construction, I was so upset about work I hadn’t even noticed. The farms were gone, the animals were gone, and all that was left was tilled up dirt. I looked ahead; surely they did not cut down the most beautiful oak tree in the area that was right by the road side, there would be no reason for it. It was the perfect tree, completely symmetrical, exquisite in every season. They had cut it down. I answered my own question, that day could get worse. After I had seen this awful, depleted sight, it was the only thing I could think about. I decided that I hate retail, I loathe the idea of money. Why was I working in a toy store? I wished I would have taken pictures of that tree, but now it was too late. Now anyone who had not seen that tree would never get to, and literally, that hurt my heart. This was happening all over the world every single day. I realized that I could do something about it. I declared my major as photography at CLC, and decided that I was going to take pictures so that people could see how beautiful the world around them really is. I graduated from CLC in 2005 with an Associate’s Degree in Art. And that August I moved to Arizona to attend Arizona State University.
While getting my degree in Photography I thought to myself, “Do I really just want to graduate with a degree in photography? What is the one thing that I care about the most in life? That is what I should be doing for a living.” I contemplated this idea long and hard and figured out the answer. The Earth was the most important thing in my life (and in reality it should be in everyone’s) because without the world around you, there is no you. It is literally the one thing that no one can live without. So I looked into it. I remembered the words my parents always told me “if you want something in life, all you have to do is get up and get it.” If you want something bad enough, you’ll do it. I am a firm believer that what you think is what you get. You can make a situation excellent or miserable depending on the way you look at it. One thing I pride myself in is trying to stay positive and always trying to make the best of a situation (I recommend jokes and high-fives to lighten the mood).
I found the Interdisciplinary Department at ASU and it sounded like exactly what I needed. I could get a degree in Conservation Biology to save the things that can’t save themselves, and also a degree in Art History with an emphasis on Photography so that I could show people what it is I was saving. It was almost too good to be true. I was blown away that there was really a job where I could be outside actually doing field work, getting my hands dirty and also keep record of my accomplishments with photographs and hopefully spreading the message of conservation with them as well.
I am less than a year away from graduating and I have never felt so on track before. I really get the sense that I finally figured out my life and what I want to happen in it. I just know that this is exactly what I am meant to do. I have such empathy for things that I can not even begin to explain. Whenever I see anything happy or sad, I literally feel it in my heart. I am not doing this so that I can be recognized as some famous scientist; I am doing it so that the world around us can have a chance to be seen and experienced, not just remembered as something that was there in the past. I believe that the world as a whole needs to wake up and realize that what is happening to the innocence of nature around us, is from us! My goal is not to get a job that will make me rich; it is to protect the things that I loved the most in the world, to do something that makes my heart happy. That is all the reward that I need. One of my favorite quotes says it all, “Take nothing but photographs, and leave nothing but footprints” and that is exactly the way I intend to live my life.
MISSION/ VISION STATEMENTS
Vision Statement:
I am committed to helping things that can not help themselves. I will always remember to work towards the greatest good and do the right thing. Most importantly I will, without exception remember to keep a positive and open mind and enjoy my time here on Earth every step of the way.
Mission Statement:
I will continue to further my knowledge throughout my life and do what I feel the most passionate about, saving the environment. In turn I will make the world a better place. I will always seek advancement and avoid regression.
I am determined not to be blinded by material possessions, always keeping in mind the amount of money in my bank account is not equivalent to the amount of happiness in my life. I will remember the difference between need and want. However, I will strive to provide what I need to survive.
I vow to never bring a child in this world until the time is right. I will always do anything I can to help my family and remember they are the most important people in my life. I will never think of my animals as “just pets” but instead as part of my family as well.
I aim to always keep a positive attitude in life. I will never forget that life is what you make of it. I will make decisions ethically, and try to do the right thing. I will always think things through thoroughly. I will never forget to enjoy life while it lasts.
I will take care of my body by staying active. I will hike, bike and camp in order to be immersed in, and appreciate the world around me. I will eat the nutrients that nature provides and in turn have the strength and energy to protect it. I will always remember you are only as old as you feel.
I am determined to always be a one-of-a-kind. I will never become one of the sheep in the flock. I will keep my ideas original and my mind open. I will always live by the Golden Rule, and do unto others as I would have others do unto me.
I will keep in mind that being a good person is what really matters in life. Love will be my religion. When I die, I will leave the Earth my positive ideas and positive energy.
I am committed to helping things that can not help themselves. I will always remember to work towards the greatest good and do the right thing. Most importantly I will, without exception remember to keep a positive and open mind and enjoy my time here on Earth every step of the way.
Mission Statement:
I will continue to further my knowledge throughout my life and do what I feel the most passionate about, saving the environment. In turn I will make the world a better place. I will always seek advancement and avoid regression.
I am determined not to be blinded by material possessions, always keeping in mind the amount of money in my bank account is not equivalent to the amount of happiness in my life. I will remember the difference between need and want. However, I will strive to provide what I need to survive.
I vow to never bring a child in this world until the time is right. I will always do anything I can to help my family and remember they are the most important people in my life. I will never think of my animals as “just pets” but instead as part of my family as well.
I aim to always keep a positive attitude in life. I will never forget that life is what you make of it. I will make decisions ethically, and try to do the right thing. I will always think things through thoroughly. I will never forget to enjoy life while it lasts.
I will take care of my body by staying active. I will hike, bike and camp in order to be immersed in, and appreciate the world around me. I will eat the nutrients that nature provides and in turn have the strength and energy to protect it. I will always remember you are only as old as you feel.
I am determined to always be a one-of-a-kind. I will never become one of the sheep in the flock. I will keep my ideas original and my mind open. I will always live by the Golden Rule, and do unto others as I would have others do unto me.
I will keep in mind that being a good person is what really matters in life. Love will be my religion. When I die, I will leave the Earth my positive ideas and positive energy.
RESUME
Sarah Burchett
hugthetreestoo@yahoo.com
OBJECTIVE:
I am very passionate about conservation. The Earth is the one thing that no one can live without, and I am going to do something to help save it. I would also like to use my knowledge of photography to document my research and hopefully persuade people to be more environmentally friendly and promote conservation.
hugthetreestoo@yahoo.com
OBJECTIVE:
I am very passionate about conservation. The Earth is the one thing that no one can live without, and I am going to do something to help save it. I would also like to use my knowledge of photography to document my research and hopefully persuade people to be more environmentally friendly and promote conservation.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
· Promoted Tumble Town and now they have classes at more schools with more children enrolled than ever before in 10 years of business.
· Informed customers of Cost Plus World Market of the environmentally-friendly steps the company was taking and in turn sold tens of thousands of dollars worth of furniture.
· Promoted Tumble Town and now they have classes at more schools with more children enrolled than ever before in 10 years of business.
· Informed customers of Cost Plus World Market of the environmentally-friendly steps the company was taking and in turn sold tens of thousands of dollars worth of furniture.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:
· 2005- PRESENT
Tumble Town Gymnastics Chandler, AZ.
Title: STAFF COORDINATOR
-Promoted in just over a year to Staff Coordinator
-Includes running company in the absence of owners
-Management position
· 2003-2005
Cost Plus World Market Gurnee, IL.
Title: DEPARTMENT HEAD OF FURNITURE
-Included displaying furniture, furniture sales and assembly, and stockroom management.
· 2005- PRESENT
Tumble Town Gymnastics Chandler, AZ.
Title: STAFF COORDINATOR
-Promoted in just over a year to Staff Coordinator
-Includes running company in the absence of owners
-Management position
· 2003-2005
Cost Plus World Market Gurnee, IL.
Title: DEPARTMENT HEAD OF FURNITURE
-Included displaying furniture, furniture sales and assembly, and stockroom management.
EDUCATION:
· 2008 (Estimated Date of Graduation)
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ.
Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, Conservation Biology and Art History (Photography)
GPA: 3.52
-Involved in the Central Arizona Chapter of Students for Conservation Biology, Arizona Outing Club, and Environment Arizona.
· 2005
College of Lake County
Grayslake, IL.
Associates Degree in Art, Art (Photography)
GPA: 3.5
-Involved in Environmental Club of CLC
· 2008 (Estimated Date of Graduation)
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ.
Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, Conservation Biology and Art History (Photography)
GPA: 3.52
-Involved in the Central Arizona Chapter of Students for Conservation Biology, Arizona Outing Club, and Environment Arizona.
· 2005
College of Lake County
Grayslake, IL.
Associates Degree in Art, Art (Photography)
GPA: 3.5
-Involved in Environmental Club of CLC
INTERESTS:
-LIFE!
-Photography
-Hiking, camping, and being outdoors
-Plants and animals
-LIFE!
-Photography
-Hiking, camping, and being outdoors
-Plants and animals
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)