Name: Laura Yayac (AG '08) Hometown: Chester Springs, PA Major: Dean's Scholar in Environmental Governance Favorite Book:The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Activities/Clubs at UD: Ag Ambassadors, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Undergraduate Research Assistant at the Water Resources Agency, Ag Day Planning Committee, Environmental Concerns Committee/Green Team, Cultural Arts Club, Food and Culinary Club, Intramural Sports, Russell Fellow (’05-’06)
Goals: I hope to work in the field of international environmental policy and address the global environmental concerns of our world. Within the next year or two I plan to work in environmental education and travel to learn more about international conservation issues, then pursue a doctoral degree in international environmental conservation or a related field.
Why did you choose Delaware? I felt that Delaware offered a small community of the Honors Program within the broader opportunities of a large university. Meeting with the Honors staff convinced me that they would help me as much as possible to achieve my goals. I loved the many study abroad options provided by UD, and the beautiful campus, too.
What has been your favorite Honors class so far? Introduction to International Relations, with Dr. Campbell. This small, discussion-based course made me more aware of the many challenges of international relations and provided a context, both past and present, for considering a variety of global situations. I really liked interacting with other Honors students in our class conversations and debates.
Who has been your favorite Honors professor and why? Dr. Campbell challenged and encouraged me, both in class and as one of my Dean’s Scholar advisors. He requires students to think beyond the obvious and explain their assertions. He is very supportive of students’ goals and persuades them to stretch themselves to reach their full potential.
What has been your most rewarding leadership or extra-curricular activity at UD? While not an extra-curricular activity, my study abroad trip to Antarctica and Argentina this past winter session is certainly one of the most rewarding aspects of my time at UD. The trip focused on international conservation issues and wildlife photography and provided me an exceptional chance to learn about current concerns on a global scale, in two places where the topic is very relevant. It brought together much of the coursework I have completed and was truly an incredible experience.
