Amanda Guenther, ENR Scholar

"The Environment and Natural Resources Scholars program was one of the main reasons why I chose Ohio State.  ENR Scholars helped ease my worries about attending such a large university as I found my own niche within Ohio State's larger community.  Living with people who were in my classes and that shared similar interests helped me grow both academically and socially.  I knew I loved the outdoors, but my involvement with the ENR Scholars program helped me realize that I wanted to be part of the School of Environment and Natural Resources and major in Environmental Science after entering as an undecided freshman.  Scholars is a lot of fun too!  Trips to Stone Lab on Lake Erie, the Franklin Park Conservatory, and canoeing are only a few of the exciting events that I have taken part in as an ENR Scholar.  My experience with the program even helped me land my first internship with the Ohio EPA's Northeast District Office in the Division of Surface Water.  ENR Scholars is truly a unique program that offers a plethora of opportunities, and I am proud to be a part of it."

"I have a wide variety of interests, and choosing a school and a major was difficult; but since I love the outdoors and want a career that will get me out in the field, SENR was the best choice for me.  I like the applied and practical aspects of the School, and being 'across the river' makes huge Ohio State feel smaller, less overwhelming, and provides a much tighter community, especially for new students.  Being in the honors program enhances the experience more.  Priority scheduling is nice because if you're trying to balance a rigorous, well-rounded course load, taking the classes you want, when you want them is important.  Taking honors-designated courses, especially within the school, is a great way to meet friends who have similar interests and are on similar career paths.  Flexibility in scheduling and the ability to write your own study plan is nice as well because you're able to focus on your interests and you feel more in control of your direction.  I think the best part of the honors program is the undergraduate research project.  You can sit through hours of lectures and take notebooks full of notes, but actually designing and conducting a hands-on project teaches so much more and is much more fun.  Working directly with faculty gives you insight and experience that you really can't get any other way."