What Am I Doing Here?

There are several reasons for me wanting to become a Landscape Architect and it was somewhat of a long and winding road to get this point in my life where I am finally pursuing my Graduate Degree. I studied Environmental Science in college and believed from a young age in the value of being a responsible human and respecting the environment and protecting it with whatever means a person has. I was afforded the opportunity to structure my education around conservation and after school I worked very hard at continuing my commitment to environmental issues.

I have traveled quite a bit over these last few years and have continued my conservation education internationally. When I lived in Costa Rica for few months in 2007 I worked at a newly formed Biodiversity center that was located on the Osa Peninsula, near the Panama border. It was here where I learned the basic principles of Permaculture. My studies at the Biodiversity Center sparked my interest in the field of Landscape studies and specifically into Landscape Architecture. A common theme when I working in wildlife management was that the loss of habitat was single most important issue that needed to be addressed in order to restore balance and protect endangered species. I realized that Landscape Architecture could be a bridge for me to continue in conservation and protection of sensitive wildlife through the creation or planning to restore, expand and build natural habitat. I believe my education as a Landscape Architect will give me the tools to be a very effective and succesful conservationist.