Faith Reed is from the small town of Raleigh, West Virginia and will graduate this weekend with a bachelor's degree in environmental and energy resources management having minored in rural community development.
Reed has chosen to continue her education at the Davis College in the fall.
"Working within the natural environment, and specifically with our water resources, is what I would like to do in the future," Reed said. "I see myself being a runoff/stormwater specialist or another job that allows me to work toward the mediation of polluted water systems."
Why did you choose to attend WVU Davis College?
Coming from a small coal town, I have grown to value and cherish community partnered with hands-on experience. The moment I laid eyes on the course catalog, I had a good feeling about the College. The moment I stepped foot on campus, I knew this was a place I could call home. I shared values with the College's mission of education on sustainability and enjoyed building interpersonal relationships with my classmates and professors.
What was your most valuable experience at Davis College?
In the summer of 2022, I was able to work as an environmental educator through a grant-funded partnership between WVU Extension and the Davis College. I acted as a teacher, mentor and camp counselor to nearly 900 youths across the state of West Virginia, teaching them about water quality and citizen science. I was able to work hands-on with water sampling and analysis, forming what would become baseline measures for the section of the West Fork River running adjacent to WVU Jackson’s Mill, while also teaching campers about this. This acted as my internship credit and propelled me forward in distinguishing what I want to do with my future.
What advice do you have for current Davis College students?
My main piece of advice for Davis College students is to get involved. There are a ton of opportunities to get involved--everything from career-oriented clubs (like the Society of Environmental Professionals) to interest-oriented clubs (like our Herpetology Club) to listening to thesis defenses of interests (check for flyers in class building for dates and times).
What advice do you have for high school students?
When on the college hunt, there is advice thrown at you from all directions about joining organizations and getting to know others quickly. While finding things to work toward is important, yes, it is also important to find something that works for you just as much as you work for it. Find some degree-related organizations to join, perhaps even a professor to work with during your undergraduate experience. All of these experiences will give back just as much as you put in and lay a nice foundation as you project forward in your academic and personal career.