Junior Lunar Logan Seiler is on a mission to make a meaningful impact on the world—a goal they’ve been passionate about since graduating high school. For Lunar, The University of Olivet proved to be the perfect place to turn that dream into reality.
“I chose Olivet because I was looking for a smaller education environment. I was also very impressed by Olivet, being one of the only schools to offer environmental education as an undergraduate degree.”
Lunar is concentrating his studies on environmental education to educate the world about the environment. “As simple as that sounds, I believe it is the best way to deal with environmental issues.” Lunar expressed.
Environmental Science has been a long-standing major at UOlivet. This academic year, Environmental Education and Outreach was also introduced as a major in response to today’s urgent sustainability challenges. The new program offers students opportunities in fields like conservation, research, environmental health and public policy, equipping students like Lunar with practical skills for impactful careers.
“A big reason for my passion in the field is because I don’t think the world currently has enough environmental educators. In a time of unprecedented environmental change, the common person should be educated on what human actions are doing to the environment,” Lunar shared. “I have taken many steps to prepare myself for the road ahead such as working with my professors to arrange job shadows with other environmental educators, taking new courses designed specifically around environmental education, and taking up a position as an interpretive park ranger with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources over the summer.”
While Lunar’s passion for environmental education is evident, their experiences at UOlivet have also helped them develop a deeper understanding of the world beyond campus. Lunar said, “Almost all of my courses here at Olivet have allowed me to explore my personal interests, and this focus in study has shaped my perception of the world.”
Lunar shared that the most impactful opportunity UOlivet has offered thus far was traveling to Mexico with their Ornithology class this past fall. “This trip opened my eyes to what life is like in a country that isn’t the United States. I was able to communicate with people of vastly different backgrounds to my own,” Lunar said. “Of course, as we were there with an ornithology course, I was able to observe some fantastic bird life. A massive reason that I was able to attend this trip was the financial support I received from the University. If it had not been for this financial aid, I doubt I would have been able to take a trip of the same caliber.”
Lunar’s experiences inside and outside the classroom have been transformative, thanks to the dedicated professors who have guided them every step of the way. “A massive part of my success here at Olivet is due to the fantastic team of professors I have had the privilege of studying under. Not only are the professors here extremely well-educated in their field, but they are each highly approachable,” they said. “I have built strong bonds with many of my professors in large part because they have invited me to. The eagerness of the faculty to teach and share knowledge here is something that I have not experienced elsewhere. I have found myself just relaxing in the biology department office simply because the professors make such good company. I have become as confident as I have in my studies thanks to the mentorship and guidance I have received,” Lunar said.
With a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future, Lunar is ready to educate and inspire others to care for the environment, just as their UOlivet mentors have done for them.
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admission at Admissions@UOlivet.edu or 269-749-7635