STUDENT PERSPECTIVES
Public Service is a Calling for Mackenzie Kelsey ’12 By Reeta Benedict, Annual Giving Officer Mackenzie Kelsey ’12, a conservation law enforcement major, has a passion for helping others. Growing up in Connecticut, Kelsey knew she wanted to work in public service, but didn’t necessarily like the idea of living and working in an urban area. Unity College stood out. “I didn’t even look at the cost,” Kelsey smiled. “I handed the pamphlet to my father and said, ‘This is where I want to go!’” As a Unity student, Kelsey takes full advantage of every opportunity to enrich her college career. A Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) participant, the conservation law work study supervisor, a volunteer fire fighter, and taking on a minor in psychology, Mackenzie is already on a fast track to a successful conservation law career. “At first, I was positive I did not want to pursue
a federal career,” said Kelsey. “Knowing a job is waiting for me after I complete my degree convinced me pursuing a federal job is a plus.” After attending class for just a short time, it became apparent to Kelsey that the majors offered by Unity attracted a diverse population of students. “I found it interesting that the adventure education students and the conservation law students at times seemed at odds,” noted Kelsey. “My experience at Unity taught me to see both sides. Through my friendships with both ‘sides’ I have a truly holistic view of the entire student population’s goal: to bring positive change to our environment.” Kelsey is majoring in a program traditionally dominated by males. She has consistently proven the discipline
is not about gender, it’s about initiative and hard work. “I believe anyone can do anything they put their heart and mind to, regardless of whether you are a man or a woman,” stated Kelsey. “There was some resistance from the men on campus about my career choice, but they adjusted when they saw that I am indeed capable.” She hopes to enter Husson’s 4 + 1 program to earn a master’s in criminal justice administration. Mackenzie Kelsey on the job.
Ryan Green ’12 Brings Culinary Experience to the Garden By Sara Trunzo ’08, Food and Farm Projects Coordinator Ryan Green is no stranger to fennel, chard, or radicchio. However, he wants to know more about soil fertility, pest management, and permaculture. With a culinary arts education background and five years of professional cooking under his belt, Green entered Unity College’s agriculture, food, & sustainability program to make a career change. “Learning to grow food is a natural next step in my love of food and cooking,” says Green, a non-traditional student originally from Bradenton, Fla. who will graduate in the spring of 2012. Green was attracted to Unity because it is “situated in a hot-bed of small, organic farms, embraces sustainability principles and practices, and is right around the corner from MOFGA (Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association).” During his first year at Unity, Green
has emerged as a valuable volunteer to community programs, such as Unity Barn Raisers’ Community Meals and Veggies For All. “Sharing meals with friends and family is part of being human. I enjoy nourishing people; it’s an important part of community.” Great food isn’t just for the elite, says Green. “I’d like to help those living in urban centers have more access to fresh, nutritious, organic food. Having lived in several neighborhoods that you could call ‘food deserts’ I recognize that access to good food has a huge impact.” This summer, Green will get experience in the field as an intern with Cultivating Community, a Portland-based food justice organization that serves youth and low-income populations. As youth cooking and community garden coordinator, Green will use his well-
honed culinary skills and his developing agricultural sense to help city kids get a taste of growing and preparing healthy, sustainable food. Ryan Green in the Sustainability Office.
UNITY SPRING 2011 |
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