A service trip to Zambia inspired Kirsten Walsh ’17 to study international environmental issues. A year later, she was running in an ultra-marathon to help raise funds for clean-water programs in Ethiopia and traveling to Rwanda to teach English to officers in the Rwandan Defense Force. Learn more about this environmental-science major and ROTC member, from the trip that started it all to her thoughts on letting go, and discover her study-abroad blog.
Major:
Clubs and organizations:
Army ROTC, Liberty Cap Society (tour guide) and The Peddler (barista).
Honors/scholarships/awards:
Alpha Lambda Delta.
On choosing a major:
In 2012 I took a service trip to Zambia, [where I worked to] help provide access to clean drinking water. I have been interested in international environmental issues ever since. Environmental science at Dickinson is such an interdisciplinary subject; I really enjoy [learning about] different perspectives on managing natural resources.
On choosing Dickinson:
I chose to attend Dickinson because here, I’m able to pursue all of my interests and I am not defined by just one thing. Initially, I was drawn to Dickinson because of its field hockey and Army ROTC programs, but since my first year, I’ve discovered a love for my classes, Peddler coffee and exploring the Carlisle area.
Favorite book:
The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins.
Favorite movies:
Love Actually ... Notting Hill ... anything British!
Proudest accomplishment:
Having the opportunity to run an ultra-marathon with my friend Daren Wendell to raise money for clean-water projects in Ethiopia. Daren had been running across the U.S. for his campaign, so my 28.5 miles was just a drop in the bucket for him!
As a kid, I wanted to be …
When I was in elementary school, my dad was stationed in Hawaii, so naturally, I wanted to be a dolphin trainer.
Post-Dickinson plans:
After graduation, I hope to commission as an officer in the U.S. Army. I’d love to incorporate my science degree and be stationed somewhere overseas!
Little-known hobby:
I’m a pretty avid painter/doodler/crafter. I love making artwork for my friends.
In a perfect world …
… everyone would have the opportunity to travel and experience other cultures. Also, there would be an abundance of dark chocolate and coconut water.
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
It’s OK to move on. This past fall I had an untimely back injury that required me to stop playing field hockey. Though it was a difficult decision, my experience with it was unforgettable, and leaving the team opened many new doors, including running an ultra-marathon and the opportunity to study abroad in Copenhagen.
What I did this summer:
Last June I traveled to Rwanda through the Army ROTC Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency (CULP) program. My team taught English to their officers in the Rwandan Defense Force. I was the team’s Public Affairs Officer and documented our team’s mission with photography and several articles.
What I'm doing now:
This semester I am studying abroad in Denmark through the Danish Institute of Study Abroad (DIS). I was selected to represent the Environmental Science of the Arctic Program as an official student-blogger for the semester, and my blog is featured on DIS’s website for prospective students, study abroad advisors, etc.
Published September 24, 2015