Honor Society® member
Nayantara Elizabeth Nelson
cashier/server/cook at Larkburger
- University of Colorado
- anthropology
- Class of 2018
- Westminster, Colorado
Member since January 2016
About
I am a full time, second year student at CU Boulder, where I am studying anthropology. Studying culture and traveling were certainly a passion of mine when I began studying at university, however, recently my interests have been directed towards studying the human influence on nature and other non-human species. My love of culture comes from my own heritage. My mother came to the U.S. from India to complete her Phd. in biochemistry and my father is a Swede, who was raised in the states, but traveled throughout his life. With my family, I have had many opportunities to travel India and Europe, and from this experience I was sure I wanted to spend my life travelling. However, after reading the book "Of Wolves and Men," by Barry Lopez, my ideas for my future changed dramatically. Since before I could remember I've had a deep love of wolves, and the current issues surrounding their habitation and safety has inspired my ambition and intention to use any resources I have towards conserving their populations. I have not lost any interest in cultural anthropology yet I have found a great difference between interest and purpose. I feel that I would find more purpose in animal population conservancy than cultural studies so I have decided to use my current major as a stepping stone to further, more focused education, so that I can work in Anthrozoology or Environmental Design.
Education
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University of Colorado at Boulder
anthropology
2014 – 2018
Honors and awards
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dean's list fall 2014
For achievements in maintaining a GPA of 3.75 or higher
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dean's list spring 2015
For achievements in maintaining a GPA of 3.75 or higher
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dean's list fall 2015
For achievements in maintaining a GPA of 3.75 or higher
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(nscs) national society of collegiate scholars
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national honor society
Goals and interests
- Career goal
I intend to work in politics concerning nature conservancy, especially that which regards the protection of wild animals and those on the endangered species list. My ultimate goal would be to work towards the protection of wolves and wolf-dog hybrids, and to reintroduce wolves to suitable habitats. From my research I have learned that this career requires much debate with state officials and surrounding landowners who oppose these efforts. It is in resolving these debates and disagreements that I feel I would excel.
- Graduate school interests
I am mostly interested in attending Grad schools outside of the state or country for new experiences. I hope to one day complete my Phd. in Anthrozoology and/or a masters in Environmental design (or, possible a Phd. in Environmental Planning and a masters in Anthrozoology). The University of Exeter in the UK offers these programs and is currently my top choice, though I still have a few years to make my final decision.
- Outside the classroom
I am a yoga, tea, and gardening enthusiast. My more serious hobby, however, is currently being one of two owners of an online shop, we've titled, "Earth Merchants." This shop takes up much of my time outside of school, which I spend procuring ingredients for, and making, our homemade, all natural bath and body products. My fellow owner and I go on hikes and other outdoor searches for the specific plants we use in our powders and products. We also create jewelry, spice pouches, Colorado sage smudge sticks, etc.. I am learning botany in my free time and I home grow multiple medicinal plants, including; aloe, thyme, and lemon balm. I will be growing vegetables for the first time this coming summer.
Experience
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cashier/server/cook
Larkburger
Jun 2013 – Aug 2015
Volunteering
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Boulder Manor Nursing Home
Activities Volunteer
Jun 2012 – Aug 2012
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Completing Various Tasks/ Horse Trainer
Wild Rest Ranch
Jan 2008 – Jan 2012
Languages
- English (US) Advanced
- Hindi Intermediate
Additional information
Organizations
