Question Everything, Fear Nothing

Katelyn King '18 in front of Old West.

Katelyn King ’18 

As a first-year environmental-science major, Katelyn King '18 learned to question everything she thought she knew about sustainability, including the very definition of the word. A year later, she reflects on her inaugural year on campus, what it means to be an engaged learner and the need to cultivate the courage to show one's true colors. She also offers fellow students a behind-the-scenes look at Dickinson. 

Major:

Environmental science.

Clubs and organizations:

Microcosm.

Honors/scholarships/awards:

First-Year Writing Award and scholarships from the Rotary Club of Chambersburg and American Pipeline Contractors Association.

On choosing a major:

I spent my junior year of high school abroad in Germany as an exchange student with Rotary International. The first thing I noticed was how green everything was, literally. For such a small country and such a large population, there is no lack of green space, even in the cities. I was so impressed by how environmentally conscious the entire country was and also extremely confused about which garbage can my tissue was supposed to go in. When I returned home from Germany, it was a serious wake-up call for me. Our country needs help. After the first few weeks of AP environmental science, I knew that it was exactly what I wanted to do.

Favorite place on campus:

Kaufman Library.

Favorite Dining Hall food:

KOVE pizza bagels.

Favorite class (so far):

Environmental Science 132 with [Associate] Professor [of Environmental Science Brian] Pedersen. Pedersen debunked almost everything I thought I knew about the world. He presented a problem to us, such as what we do with paper when we are done with it, then asked us for solutions. Everyone, of course, said, “Recycle it.” Then he proceeded to question whether that was really the best solution, in terms of sustainability. Time and again, he made us question everything we thought we knew about sustainability, including the very definition of sustainability.

As a kid, I wanted to be …

… among other things, a dolphin trainer, which was inspired by a vacation, swimming with dolphins in fourth grade.

Most important thing I’ve learned (so far):

To never stop questioning things. Every class I have been in has prompted me to never stop questioning. It is the key to learning, but also the key to change. If you don’t question the world, nothing will ever change.

About my internship:

I interned at the Center for Sustainability Education (CSE) this summer as a projects intern. Coming out of my first year of college, I wasn’t worried about getting an internship, but I thought I would look around a little, because it’s never too early. When I learned about the internship with CSE, I was really excited to get to work with the college and learn more about sustainability efforts of our school.

What I learned:

My internship really put into perspective how much goes on behind the scenes of Dickinson. There are so many projects that we are working on to become a better school. The faculty and staff of Dickinson work their butts off to keep up and bring new things to the table every year.

Little-known talents:

I can touch my tongue to my nose. I also love roller skating. It’s the only sport-like thing that I truly enjoy. I have been roller skating since kindergarten.

Proudest accomplishment:

Going to Dickinson. No one in my family has ever graduated from college, and for me to make it to such a great school is a huge accomplishment.

Best career advice I’ve received (so far):

Lindsey Lyons, assistant director for the Center for Sustainability Education, gave me a great piece of advice that put a lot of things into perspective for me. No one in this field has it all figured out when they leave Dickinson. But when you leave here, you know that you have the skills to make it. It’s just about figuring out what is right for you.

In a perfect world …

… there would be no pollution.

Biggest influence:

My grandma. She passed away when I was in eighth grade, but I spent a lot of time with her. Looking back, I realize that she was one of the strongest people I have ever met. The biggest lesson I learned from her was to not be afraid to show your true colors.

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Published December 16, 2015