As the academic year comes to a close we congratulate all of our graduates!
Here we highlight a graduate from each CEHSP department. They share their experiences, lessons learned and future plans.
Zane Brosowske
Majors: Environmental & Outdoor Education; Communications
Hometown: Pelican Rapids, MN
What is your advice to incoming students?
- Figure out what you are passionate about and orient your studies around it.
- Focus on what you can control (emotions, discipline, time management etc.) and don’t spend time worrying about what you can’t control.
- A bit of stress can be healthy, but understand if you miss a deadline or fail a test that it is what it is, and all you can do is learn from your mistakes and move on to the next assignment.
- Never be afraid to ask questions.
What has been your most meaningful experience at UMD?
Traveling abroad for class. I went on a 6-day backpacking trip in Finland for Outdoor Leadership class and it gave me so many new perspectives on culture and life in other parts of the world as well as life in general.
When you look back on your college experience, what will you remember most?
- The good times—experiential-based learning classes and deep discussions.
- The people—unexpected acquaintances—it takes all kinds of people to make the world go round.
- The education—“As our island of knowledge grows, so does the shore of our ignorance.” -John Wheeler
What are your plans after graduation?
This summer after graduation, I am attempting to circumnavigate Lake Superior by sea kayak. After that, working as a recreational guide, doing naturalist work, going on expeditions, and perhaps exploring career pathways in environmental communication.
What are your ultimate career or life goals?
My passion in life is having fun outdoors, and my ultimate goal is to find a career where I can teach people how to enjoy the outdoors and facilitate fun experiences for others.
Anna Buckmeier
Major/Minor: Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders. Minor: Early Childhood Studies
Hometown: Stewartville, MN
What is your advice to incoming students?
Have confidence! That is one of the best pieces of advice, you are capable of so much more than you think. I understand that upcoming semesters, programs, or classes can be overwhelming and scary but you are capable of anything you put your mind to! Confidence can be built through asking questions, collaborating with your peers, and taking advantage of all the resources and opportunities offered here at UMD.
What has been your most meaningful experience at UMD?
For me, the individualized education received here at UMD has been the most meaningful. The small class sizes in the CSD department have allowed me to receive an education that is personalized and student-centered. I appreciate the relationships built with professors and peers through the department!
When you look back on your college experience, what will you remember most?
The relationships formed here are definitely the thing I will remember most, including the lifelong friendships, collaborations with peers, and relationships with professors. All of these relationships have allowed me to flourish in college and succeed. Looking back years from now I will cherish the relationships found in Duluth and the memories that have come from them.
What are your plans after graduation?
I just couldn’t say goodbye to Duluth, so I am happy to be continuing my graduate studies to receive my master’s in speech-language pathology here at UMD! The professors, department, and city all made UMD the perfect fit for me as I continue my education.
What are your ultimate career or life goals?
An ultimate career goal is to open my own private practice alongside my sister who is also going for speech-language pathology. Ideally, this private practice would work to provide speech-language services to a wide range of children.
Jayna Brown
Major/Minor: Integrated Elementary and Special Education
Hometown: Golden Valley, MN
What is your advice to incoming students?
Invest meaningful time and energy into becoming the most authentic version of yourself that you can. Do what you love, find your passions, and surround yourself with people who truly value who you are.
What has been your most meaningful experience at UMD?
I’ve had so many meaningful experiences at UMD. This year, I was the manager of the Kirby Welcome Desk. With a close-knit team of 16 employees, I felt like I finally found community on campus— a sense of belonging. I’ve cultivated close friendships during my time at the Welcome Desk and I’ve thrived from the mentorship of Kirby faculty and staff. I’ve been proud to be part of the Kirby family. :)
When you look back on your college experience, what will you remember most?
The many people who stayed by my side and helped me grow and prosper as an individual. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
What are your plans after graduation?
Following graduation, my main goal is to find and invest in peace. I plan on nurturing my hobbies and engaging in meaningful work. I will be working part-time with Regina Laroche (@diasporagardens), along with another fun part-time job here in Duluth.
What are your ultimate career or life goals?
My ultimate goal is to live happily and healthily, doing something that I love. I know that I want to do something meaningful, as helping others is my calling. I am passionate about working with youth, teaching, programming, and traveling. So, hopefully, I can find something that combines those things. Until I do, I am taking opportunities as they come. :)
Abby Shelby
Major/Minor: Psychology, French Majors; Communication Minor
Hometown: Buffalo, Minnesota
What is your advice to incoming students?
If you're interested in trying something new, please do it!! You’ll learn from it either way and have the opportunity to make great new friends. Get involved when you can, there is opportunity to learn something new and make connections with mentors.
What has been your most meaningful experience at UMD?
Working in the career center has allowed me to connect with mentors who I value so much and interact with students that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to!
When you look back on your college experience, what will you remember most?
I will remember when I studied abroad the most! But also when we moved back to in-person instruction after initially being virtual from covid and being able to connect with faculty and students.
What are your plans after graduation?
Currently, my plan is to work at SOAR Career Solutions as a Minnesota Family Investment Program career counselor serving those from lower-income backgrounds to help them find careers that fit their interests
What are your ultimate career or life goals?
My career goals are to get my Ph.D. in clinical psychology or MD in psychiatry. My life goal is to live and work abroad!!!
Emily Lundgren
Major/Minor: Master of Social Work
Hometown: Duluth, MN
What is your advice to incoming students?
Carve out time when and where you can throughout the week to study and work on upcoming assignments, even if it is for 30 minutes or an hour each day. Make sure to take time for self-care, and if possible, take at least one day a week away from schoolwork and do something you enjoy. Make a master list of deadlines and cross out as you go along. Work ahead when and where you can so that you don’t fall behind. If you are not sure how to start writing a paper, simply starting a google document and copy/pasting in the assignment instructions can be a helpful place to start so you know how to format your paper.
What has been your most meaningful experience at UMD?
Being able to collaborate with students in my cohort, sharing information and learning together, and leaning on one another for support.
When you look back on your college experience, what will you remember most?
I will look back on how what I learned in my clinical course content has informed my current practice, fully appreciating the education I have gained.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to begin work full-time at Human Development Center (HDC), where I am employed as a clinician with the Child and Family Team.
What are your ultimate career or life goals?
I hope to be in a clinical practice in mental health working with individuals of all ages.
My ultimate career goal is to open a private practice with my peers, or to join a practice that specializes in perinatal mental health.