Eryn Gaither's Three Semester Review

I have created this review in order to inform on my time in the SGC College Park Scholars program here at the University of Maryland!

  • Throughout the past three semesters, I have gained significant insight into the essence of science. I've honed abilities to investigate and comprehend scientific phenomena with a discerning perspective, and I now possess a far deeper grasp of global transformation than I did a year and a half ago. In the media, I came across reports highlighting the rising intensity and occurrence of hurricanes. We are witnessing the repercussions of these escalating threats firsthand. This year, we watched a hurricane wreak havoc in the Appalachian Region, while another caused similar devastation in the Southern Region. During SGC, we delved into the dynamics of climate and weather, exploring how these major storm events can transpire. I couldn't help but reflect on a key concept from our class: as significant rainfall occurs in certain areas, droughts will simultaneously affect other regions. This perspective resonated with me during my architecture classes this semester, where we examined sustainable building practices and potential climatic disasters that might arise in the future. I was thankful for my foundational knowledge from SGC. We discussed the significance of sustainable architecture and its influence on both individuals and the ecosystem. We also talked about the critical considerations of building locations, prompting my thoughts on sea level rise and storm surges. I began to synthesize knowledge from these courses, enhancing my success across them. I have come to understand that my SGC background influences my viewpoint, allowing me to forge connections I previously overlooked. Now, I engage actively when I encounter reports about hurricanes in the news, rather than absorbing the information passively. Additionally, the knowledge gained in SGC has significantly enhanced my connection to my major and the specialized coursework related to it. During the Fall Semester of my Freshman year, I enrolled in chemistry and biology classes, where I learned about significant figures such as Lamarck, Cuvier, Lyell, and Darwin, among others. Concurrently, we were reading Elizabeth Kolbert's The Sixth Extinction, which chronicled the legacies of these figures, the origins of their theories, and their ongoing applications. I found this book enjoyable; it deepened my understanding and appreciation for the historical narratives I was studying in class. Now, in my third semester of SGC, we have addressed numerous solutions for climate change, including the restoration and preservation of wetlands and peatlands, and rethinking land use for agriculture. Although I've chosen to switch my major since then, there was strong overlap with what I was learning as a Plant Biology major, making it immensely beneficial in comprehending how the world operates and how it might function in the future, impacting my prospective career. Even now, as an architecture major, I can continue to leverage the insights gained from SGC to inform my studies.

  • I truly value the experience I've gained at Scholars, particularly in forming friendships with peers who share similar academic pursuits. Having a roommate during my freshman year who was also part of SGC made it enjoyable to engage in thoughtful discussions about our coursework. Interestingly, we didn't consciously decide to delve deeper into our studies together. Instead, whenever one of us encountered a discussion question for the week or had insights from a lecture, we would share it with each other. This led to numerous insightful dialogues that have persisted into our third semester. Additionally, I had the pleasure of meeting and befriending many individuals from diverse majors. It was fascinating to connect with people I likely wouldn't have interacted with had it not been for SGC. Observing how they relate the impacts of global change to their fields of study and contemplating how it might influence their professional paths in the future or is already affecting them now was particularly enlightening. I can't definitively say whether residing in the living-learning community significantly enhanced my educational experience. Instead of being placed on a floor exclusively for SGC scholars, I found myself among a mix of other scholars. Only five SGC students occupied my floor: two freshmen and three sophomores. However, when I visited friends on other floors, the SGC community seemed much more pronounced.

  • I played an active role in SGC by being a committed student. I made an effort to maximize my educational experiences by inquiring during excursions and connecting with my classmates through teamwork on collective projects. Additionally, I volunteered to assist SERC during their events at UMD, and I felt proud to represent SGC while collaborating with them.

  • I never realized just how significantly the fossil fuel sector has shaped societal perceptions of climate change. Prior to SGC, I was unaware of the extent to which misinformation about climate change stems from the propaganda disseminated by the fossil fuel industry. I also hadn't grasped that the emphasis on personal carbon footprints and individual emissions was a tactic to divert attention from corporations. I recognized that the primary issue lay within the industrial sector and that individual actions would only marginally influence overall emissions. However, I had never considered those personal-focused campaigns as a means of distraction. This revelation took me by surprise and has truly transformed the way I engage with and contemplate similar issues. Alongside other concepts from class, it has encouraged me to apply a more critical perspective toward science in news and media. I am thankful for the skills imparted to us over these three semesters which have empowered us to be more thoughtful analysts.

  • I firmly believe that the insights I've gained in SGC will remain pertinent and aid me in attaining a more profound comprehension of the subjects I will explore during my junior and senior years. As an architecture student, grasping the complexities of climate change is essential. I anticipate that the lessons I will most appreciate will be the hands-on ones. I've already found it beneficial to have the research papers simplified for me. Additionally, I often find myself looking for logical fallacies in the arguments of others. I aspire that the experiences I had in SGC will steer me towards becoming a well-informed and eco-conscious individual. Regardless of the career path I choose, I am convinced that I will utilize the solutions for climate change and the insights on energy resources that I have acquired. I aim to be a meaningful contributor to society with these competencies and will make the most of my educational journey.

    Last modified: 13 December 2024