Field Notes: What it's like to be an Environment, Resources and Sustainability student

Program flexibility, industry experience, and finding the right community at university were important for Zoë.

That's why she chose Environment, Resources and Sustainability (ERS) in the Faculty of Environment. In this edition of Field Notes, we sat down with Zoë to learn more about her experience in the ERS program, her thoughts on Waterloo, and what she loves most about the Faculty of Environment.

How did you discover the Faculty of Environment and your program at Waterloo?

I discovered the Faculty of Environment once I arrived at the University of Waterloo actually. I came to Waterloo for the Knowledge Integration program because I was unsure about what direction I wanted to take, and I couldn't have made a better choice. Although Knowledge Integration wasn't the right program for me, the Faculty of Environment felt so much like home and that's why I decided to do an internal transfer. I wanted all the things that the Faculty of Environment provided me academically and socially, while also still maintaining some flexibility in my program.

Why did you end up choosing Environment, Resources and Sustainability (ERS)?

I ended up choosing ERS because of its interdisciplinary and flexibility. I was also intrigued by the co-op jobs that I had learned about from current ERS students and had a passion to work in similar fields. I’ve never been one who loves going to school because I find I learn better in a work environment, so I thought co-op would be the balance I needed. Making the connection between school and work is essential for me to understand why I’m learning what I am. So, the idea that I could split up school terms with work terms was very appealing! 

How do you describe Environment, Resources and Sustainability to people when they ask what you’re studying? 

I would describe ERS as an interdisciplinary program that looks at our current environmental challenges from a social sciences perspective. We learn and develop ideas to battle environmental issues through a human-centric view, while also encompassing topics outside of the Environment, Resources and Sustainability lens.

What are some of your favourite courses?

Some of my favourite courses have been ENVS 200: Field Ecology, SPCOM 223: Public Speaking and ERS 202: Natural Resources Ecology. The ecology courses were some of my favourites because they covered topics that I’m passionate about. They provided us with skills that we can use in the future through labs that involved both field work, lab work and computer program learning. The course on public speaking was super useful, and in my opinion fun, because it’s a skill that can set you apart in any aspect of your academic and professional career. 

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your program so far?

The most important thing I’ve learned from my program is that social and ecological systems are linked in so many ways. There’s no realistic world where you can look at these systems on their own and come out with a plausible and fully functional solution. Core courses for the ERS program frequently drive this point home, but it’s always a good reminder as to why an interdisciplinary approach is important and required to solve real world problems.  

What kind of student do you think is the best fit for the program?

I think the best student for the program is someone who is passionate about developing solutions for environmental issues with social structures at the forefront. You desire to learn about how people can create change through a multitude of pathways. The program has a flexibility to it that requires you to want to explore these different pathways, because social science perspectives are not as linear as physical sciences. Having so many different avenues of thinking available also means the student should be inclined to be creative.

What advice would you give to a student starting in the program?

First year is all about exploring your interests within the realm of Environment, Resources and Sustainability. You’ll take courses related to policy, ecology, and social systems to provide you with an overview of the options you have available to pursue while enrolled in the program. Take this as an opportunity to explore by opening yourself to different perspectives. Look at what minors and diplomas the Faculty has to offer, but don’t feel pressured to decide which one you want to pursue right off the bat in first year. 

What’s your typical day like?

A typical day for me consists of going to class, taking time to study, and seeing friends. This varies on a day-to-day basis, but typically I will attend class and then with the spare time between class I sit in the Environment Student Lounge to work on assignments. If I forget to bring a lunch or snack for the day, I will grab one from the Environment Student Coffee Shop, the cheapest food on campus. I spend a lot of my day in the lounge so when I go home, I consider it time to relax. I will rewind from the day by either chatting with my roommate, watching Netflix, or playing my intramural games. There’s only so much work you can do in a day, something that has taken a while for me to learn but has been really valuable during my last couple terms of school. 

What has the co-op experience been like for you and what has been your most valuable placement?

I have nothing but good things to say about my co-op placements. They each gave me a different set of skills, unique experience and a variety of connections that allowed me to grow as a person, student, and professional. Determining which co-op experience was the most valuable is a challenge since they all provided me with such different experiences. I think looking more broadly my placement with the Faculty of Environment’s Ecology Lab was the most all-encompassing position. I was able to participate in teaching, outreach, and research opportunities covering a variety of topics. This co-op also gave me the steppingstone to land my favourite co-op that relates directly to my post-grad plan, ornithology. I was able to land a position where I worked directly with birds in the field through surveys, monitoring and banding.

How has co-op prepared you for post-graduation life? 

Co-op has allowed me to discover what I like and don’t like. I’ve been able to learn what working in different professional settings is like and how to adapt to the different environments. Another big advantage of the co-op program are the connections you gain along the way. I worked at the university for the Faculty of Environment two terms and my connections with professors and other employees is a lot stronger and more abundant than just attending classes. Working outside of the university, in the field that I would like to pursue post-grad, has allowed me to observe and learn about those that are leaders in the field, and gain references and connections from important and well-known figures. 

What’s the Environment community really like?

The Environment community is truly a family. It all depends on how you get involved with events, but I think anyone would say you feel like you’re surrounded by familiar and friendly faces no matter where you are in the Environment buildings. I feel like those around me truly care about me and want me to succeed at my best. This goes for peers, professors, and employees of the Faculty of Environment. I’ve heard it many times before from people outside of Environment that everyone is always so welcoming, and it’s a place where you can feel comfortable no matter the situation. 

How have you been able to get involved on campus?

My involvement on campus has varied over the years. I’ve been involved with intramural sports, specifically volleyball, every semester since first year. I’ve also volunteered for Orientation Week almost every year and all my closest friends within the Faculty of Environment have come from this yearly event. I am an Environment Ambassador which, like Orientation, allows me to meet prospective students and current students. I’ve been involved in many more ways throughout my years that can’t go unmentioned, but the list is too long to explain each one. So, the main takeaway for you, as a prospective student, is that you can be as much or as little involved on campus. It all depends on you, but I could never recommend getting involved enough. You’d be amazed at the connections you make.

What’s the best way for new Environment students to get involved?

For new students getting involved can be intimidating because there are just so many options. My recommendation is to find something you are familiar with and start there. This could be student government in the form of student associations, or sports through intramurals, or arts through different clubs across campus. Once you feel comfortable, you can start branching out to new or more things. It can be exciting for incoming students to get involved and they have a desire to do it all, but I would advise to take baby steps when it comes to getting involved. Get used to what the university workload is like and what you’re capable of doing without compromising your studies. 

What did you think of the city of Waterloo before and after you moved here?

My decision to move go to Waterloo was a whirlwind so I don’t remember if I had any idea what the city was like before I moved here. But I liked the idea that it is a very university centric city and that it isn’t as big as Toronto but still had a lot of options for exploring. Now that I’ve lived in Waterloo for about four years, I can say the small city feel is still a big bonus for me. I really enjoy the accessibility of the city by foot and public transport. One thing that surprises me about Waterloo is the number of events that are always going on. There are constantly trivia nights at local restaurants, food and craft markets, citywide events, holiday activities and so much more happening at least every weekend. 

What are your favourite things to do in Waterloo?

My list of favourite things to do in Waterloo consists of finding new coffee shops, meeting friends at restaurants in Uptown and relaxing in Waterloo Park. Coffee shops are a great change in scenery for studying or just hanging out with friends. There’s plenty of food options in Uptown Waterloo and new restaurants are always popping up. Who doesn’t love finding a new favourite dish?! Finally, as an Environment student it’s no surprise that I love being out in nature. Waterloo Park is the perfect place to have a picnic, throw around a frisbee, or just read a book.