Tree Degree 2.0: Bachelors or Bust
Donation protected
I have completed my AAS in Forest Management Technology, graduating Summa Cum Laude. The donations I received made a big difference in finishing that degree with $0 in student loan debt.
After my history of volunteer work with the USFS and my Natural Resources internship with Sierra Nevada, I was able to land one of 4 internship spots with a group called Forest Stewards. Although the internship only runs just shy of 3 months (Mid May to early Aug) it’s been a great opportunity to get a lot of hands on experience doing actual forestry work. Even being temporary jobs like these are great stepping stones while I’m in school to set me up for what I hope is a great job upon graduation.
I have now been accepted to Western Carolina University to work on a bachelors in Natural Resource Conversation and Management with my concentration in forestry. They have an amazing program called NC Promise that gives me $500 a semester tuition. After fees and books and all the whatnots they charge you it ends up being about $2500 a semester which is still a great deal for a 4yr degree.
The class schedule I have for this fall is very demanding, requiring me to be on campus for classes all 5 weekdays. I am also one of only 20 students in the whole school to be accepted into a program called L.E.A.R.N. (Learning Environment & Academic Research Network) that is a great opportunity but also a time commitment. Between regular classes and this program it leaves little time to manage two kids and a work schedule.
As always I really appreciate everyone’s help and support while I’m getting myself together.
After my history of volunteer work with the USFS and my Natural Resources internship with Sierra Nevada, I was able to land one of 4 internship spots with a group called Forest Stewards. Although the internship only runs just shy of 3 months (Mid May to early Aug) it’s been a great opportunity to get a lot of hands on experience doing actual forestry work. Even being temporary jobs like these are great stepping stones while I’m in school to set me up for what I hope is a great job upon graduation.
I have now been accepted to Western Carolina University to work on a bachelors in Natural Resource Conversation and Management with my concentration in forestry. They have an amazing program called NC Promise that gives me $500 a semester tuition. After fees and books and all the whatnots they charge you it ends up being about $2500 a semester which is still a great deal for a 4yr degree.
The class schedule I have for this fall is very demanding, requiring me to be on campus for classes all 5 weekdays. I am also one of only 20 students in the whole school to be accepted into a program called L.E.A.R.N. (Learning Environment & Academic Research Network) that is a great opportunity but also a time commitment. Between regular classes and this program it leaves little time to manage two kids and a work schedule.
As always I really appreciate everyone’s help and support while I’m getting myself together.
Organizer
Sarah Justice
Organizer
Asheville, NC