Michaela Stenerson ’21

Sustainable Development

Biography

Upon graduating from Taylor in August of 2021, I did part-time work while applying for various internships and employment positions. I spent two weeks at a faith-based retreat center called Holden Village, volunteering and living community life in the mountains of Washington in December. In March, I accepted an internship that would take me to Far Hills, New Jersey, to work as an assistant laborer on a private estate that is working to implement permaculture practices in their property and clear out invasive species that have taken over habitat from natives. This is my current position, and while I am working here, I am applying for further short term opportunities that can continue to provide experience for me in a variety of environments that have to do with conservation and stewardship practices.

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

Traveling to Malawi and Zambia with fellow students and professors in J-term of my sophomore year was one of the most influential experiences I had through Taylor. I gained hands-on experience in community development and sustainable agriculture, both of which I have used in internships since then, not to mention invaluable cross-cultural interactions.

How did your classes or interactions with professors at Taylor impact your growth?

The professors I had at Taylor impacted my growth greatly. Having class sizes small enough that I could easily ask questions about course material helped me to gain greater understanding of what I was learning and it provided mentoring from people of faith who were in the career field for which I was studying. For example, as someone who took many environmental science courses, I was able to grapple with complex issues like evolution from a perspective of faith supported by my classmates and professors.

What advice or encouragement could you provide for Taylor students in your vocational discipline?

My best advice for those about to enter this journey of post-grad life is to know that there is no one way to do it. Some people go straight into a full-time job in their career field, some work part-time and then get their dream offer and some never work in the field they studied. All paths are great! No matter how you use your degree, your time at Taylor will impact your life and facilitate growth inside of you.