Caring for creation
A hands-on internship helped Garrett pursue his career goals in wildlife and fisheries science. While graduate school may be in his future, eventually he hopes to become a state or federal wildlife biologist. At Northwestern he competes on the Raiders football team, serves as a peer tutor, and works on the college’s snow removal crew.
The great outdoors
Northwestern is well-known for the strength of its science programs, so I knew I would be challenged and well-prepared by the biology department. I have always had a passion for the outdoors, including hunting, fishing and hiking. Naturally, I was drawn to the biology–ecological science major and the field of conservation. After taking General Biology my freshman year, I knew that biology–ecological science was the right fit for me.
A world of diversity
The most fascinating thing about the world of ecology is the diversity of organisms that God created. Every organism has something unique about it, and these differences are often missed by the untrained eye. The biology–ecological science professors do an amazing job equipping students to successfully identify organisms and their characteristics. I find it satisfying to be able to recognize specific plants and plant families as I spend time outdoors. Not only is it enjoyable, but it is a desirable skill in my future career field.
Thoughtful faith
Northwestern’s biology professors do a great job of explaining the connections between faith and science. They help students explore these connections thoroughly, and they welcome any questions. Scientific theories and ideas can be taboo for some Christians. The biology–ecological science major continues to push me to understand my faith, science and how the two overlap. My major has clearly shown me that any supposed disagreement between faith and science is a myth.
Testing the waters
I participated in a wildlife damage internship that was primarily focused on helping landowners prevent wildlife from damaging crops or other aspects of their property. I was also fortunate to participate in migratory bird banding (mostly Canadian geese), along with a variety of other wildlife-related tasks. My internship built upon the knowledge I learned from the biology department and solidified my passion for the conservation career field.
Championship game
So far, my best Northwestern memory is the national football championship game in Grambling, Louisiana. Taking a trip with the guys was a blast, and we had the opportunity to play the game that we love. The fan turnout was astonishing. I was proud to see that the support from our fans was stronger than that of our competitor. I’d never flown before, so that added to the excitement of the trip.
