Laura Getts is a committee member of the alumni club in Colorado. She describes her action-packed student days and how she's pursuing an environmental science track in her career. Name Laura Getts Degree MA International Relations Year of Graduation 2010 Your time at the University Image I began my higher education at a small private college in the US, however quickly realized that it was not a financially sustainable option. As I pursued alternative colleges and universities, I stumbled upon an article in Newsweek magazine that featured Scottish universities, and discussed why more Americans were choosing to go abroad for their degree. As an International Relations major, desiring a high quality, affordable education, Edinburgh was a perfect fit. As an undergraduate student at the University of Edinburgh, I was overwhelmed with opportunity, and spent most free time engaging with student groups and sports teams. I saw the Highlands with the Mountaineering Club and Canoe Club, ran with the Hare and Hounds, swam with the swimming and water polo team, travelled around Europe with the Model United Nations club, and dined with the Chocolate Society. I am also grateful to have seen another side of Edinburgh through my part-time work as a deli server, after school teacher, swimming instructor, server, and bartender. Some of my favourite memories include: traversing the Highlands for the Original Mountain Marathon with my fellow Mountaineers, hosting the first Edinburgh Model United Nations (ScotMUN) event, obtaining free tickets to several fantastic Fringe Festival shows, competing in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) national water polo championships, spilling champagne on the Prime Minister, BBQing on the meadows under a 10pm summer sun, cycle touring Europe, and every Ceilidh I’ve ever attended. The University of Edinburgh stretched my capacity to think critically, and fostered strong leadership skills – two crucial attributes that have guided me through every personal and professional endeavour post-uni. Laura Getts Your experiences since leaving the University Since graduating from University, I have pursued an environmental science track that was heavily influenced by my time spent in the great Scottish outdoors. As a biologist and wilderness ranger in Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Teton National Park, the Californian Sierras, Southwestern Colorado, and Utah’s Mojave Desert, I developed a love for the natural environment that recently led me to complete a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Policy. Along the way, I also garnered the confidence to pursue unlikely enterprises, such as starting a small food business, and leading teenagers through Central America as an instructor for The Road Less Travelled. Post degree, I worked as a Young Leader in Climate Change for the National Park Service’s Climate Change Response Program in Rocky Mountain National Park, and now serve Colorado as Pueblo County’s Energy Coordinator. The University of Edinburgh stretched my capacity to think critically, and fostered strong leadership skills – two crucial attributes that have guided me through every personal and professional endeavour post-uni. The University of Edinburgh also exposed me to new paradigms, and imbued me with a sense of independence, that has been key to overcoming several life challenges. For all of this and more, I am sincerely grateful to Edinburgh. Alumni Wisdom Push your comfort zone and boost the value of your University experience by taking advantage of the University’s diversity. Whether you engage with Edinburgh’s diverse student population, staff, programs, surrounding business and residential communities, experiential opportunities, or societies and clubs, you will leave University enriched, and a stronger global citizen to boot. Related Links Global community Facebook page - University of Edinburgh Alumni in Colorado This article was published on 2024-10-28
