From sampling streams to reintroducing fish populations to rivers, students majoring in environmental science and studies get their hands wet by engaging in real-world research through community engagement courses, internships and post-graduate experiences.
Abby Hilliard, a marketing and management double major, encourages students not to wait until junior or senior year for an internship. After working as a Harbin Clinic marketing intern, she has new direction and drive to start her junior year.
As an ambitious student with a variety of interests, Makhia Williams says an internship at Mohawk Industries, an international leader in flooring, is helping her focus career goals.
Hunter Perez ’23 transferred to Berry and quickly became a leader: research and teaching assistant, dairy shift supervisor and student director of orientation. Now he’s enrolled in graduate school with eyes firmly set on teaching animal science.
Mathewson Parks ’23 relocated to LA after graduation when he secured a highly sought after internship with the Television Academy Foundation. After a summer in Hollywood, he is now an active producer on two documentaries with the Emmy-nominated studio Elysium Media.
Ryan Segall ’23 had a software developer job in hand when he walked across the stage at graduation. Reflecting on his college experience, he expresses the value of small classes, individualized learning and practical application of computer science skills in his on-campus work and internship.
Lirio Morales Ibarra ’23, who majored in sociology and anthropology, capped off her senior year with an acceptance to Harvard’s Educational Leadership, Organizations and Entrepreneurship Program housed in the Graduate School of Education. She says Berry experiences — especially the opportunity to serve — played a crucial part in her success.
Initially struggling to find a major that catered to her career aspirations, Dasha Schaaf ’23 decided to pursue an individually designed major in organizational leadership development.
The combination of academics and practical training in Berry’s nursing program paired with a four-year service scholarship prepared this nurse to deliver care with compassion and empathy.
Trejohn Skinner ’23 found a way to bridge his love of performing with knowledge acquired on the business side of the industry — and tailored his music major to his interests and career goals.
Majoring in economics and Spanish plus minoring in mathematics and physics, this business student embraced activities at Berry with energy and determination — including her position as technical director of Berry Outdoor Leadership Development (BOLD).
Carly Robinson Warbington ’23 came to Berry specifically for the applied behavior analysis (ABA) minor housed in the psychology department. ABA classes and relevant internships prepared her for graduate studies at Augusta University.
Alex Ruble ’23, a communication major and business minor, shares how he started a successful photography and videography business during his time at Berry.
Amy Solana ’23 plans a career in recreational therapy. To achieve her goal, she personalized her major with a combination of work, academic and research experiences — and even won the admiration of some honorary grandparents along the way.
Future veterinarian Brooke Appelbaum ’23 accumulated meaningful hours caring for animals, from the cattle and sheep on Berry’s campus farm to beloved pets at a specialty veterinary clinic. She also conducted research that could lead to new ways of protecting livestock from disease. Accepted to four veterinary schools, she chose the University of Georgia.
Entering college undecided about your major can open you to new possibilities and career options, as Kate Gray ’23 learned at Berry. Taking Spanish enriched her life and set her on a path to use her language skills in service to others.
Studies in the humanities positioned Vanessa Rice ’23 to receive a coveted Fulbright Scholarship as well as two Critical Language Scholarships from the U.S. Department of State.
Amber Bingham ’23 knew that Berry was the place for her when she learned about the robust education program. As early as freshman year, she worked in the South Rome Early Learning Center where she discovered her love of teaching the youngest ages.
Inspired by a beloved animal companion, Handley Owens started her healthy dog treat business, Southern Belle Naturals, and grew it into a line of products. Her determination and ability to tell her story with wit and warmth powered her early success.
Aleeya Thornton ’23 is a determined pre-med student who gained unique perspective while helping run Berry’s health center. As she reflects on the most valuable parts of her college career, she expresses gratitude for how she was challenged in her campus job and supported by her mentor and the alumni network.
A smart combination of academics and an innovative approach to learning prepared this student for real-world practice.
Thanks to a multidisciplinary track, internships and student work through the Berry Information Technology Students (BITS) program, senior Kalista Shields is ready for life after Berry.
Vanessa Rice ’23 is packing her bags for a once-in-a-lifetime experience abroad. A recipient of the Critical Language Scholarship, she will travel to Ankara, Turkey, for nine weeks to study the Turkish language.
Having hands-on experience working with a variety of animals while managing one of Berry’s student-run enterprises is giving Jacob Bronkema ’23 the knowledge and skills to earn a degree in veterinary medicine and run his own business.
Bibhu Chapagain will head into his summer internship well prepared to expand his knowledge about personal financial management. He has gained meaningful and practical experience thanks to his position as a student financial analyst and mentoring by Berry Board of Trustee Buster Wright and SGA President Asa Owens.
After observing the life-enhancing effects of physical therapy, Estefany Carrillo chose to major in exercise science and landed a spot in a prestigious program.