Leila Johnson, Haub School Student Stories

September, 2023

Leila Johnson (she/her)

Majors: Environmental System Science, and Environment and Natural Resources 

Hometown: Laramie, WY

What motivated you to choose your major, and how has it influenced your academic journey within the Haub School?

“I decided to join ENR and ESS after taking the Intro to Environment class, which has field labs before the semester even starts. I always knew that I wanted to have some sort of focus on environmental science, but wasn’t sure in what capacity. I decided to take that one class to test it out and see if I liked it, and then I fully switched over to the Haub School soon after.”

What is your central role within the University, and what are your primary objectives?

“I work as a student worker for the Haub School at the front desk in the Bim Kendall House. Our student team supports general reception, student services, and Haub events. I really enjoy the connections I have found through this position. Getting to meet all the professors and staff members in the Haub School makes it really nice to put a name to the face, and have a personal connection with them. Everyone is really friendly and its really great to be a part of the everyday work here.”

What skills or qualities have you developed during your experience that will be beneficial in the future?

“Through the Haub School’s international experiences, I have grown a lot as a student. I’ve been able to thrive in my independence. I believe there have been many valuable lessons throughout these opportunities the Haub School presents with international travel and learning through experience. Through working on campus, I've developed a lot of great relationships with mentors that I know will be beneficial long into the future. I've also gained a lot of professional skills that will help me in the environmental field.”

What were the most valuable lessons you learned, both academically and personally?

“During the Belize trip I went on, I learned a lot both about myself as a student and as a person. I was able to dive deeper into my studies, getting to learn in a more isolated setting completely separated from my daily life. It allowed me to focus more on what we were learning. We were able to see climate change effects and how it’s impacting a lot of our social systems, really showing how interconnected a lot of our environmental issues are with society. That’s one thing I love about the Haub School is how interdisciplinary their approach is for their classes, giving well rounded and multiple perspectives to approach each lesson.  I really learned how I want to approach my education in the future.”

How do you envision applying the knowledge and experiences gained during your undergraduate studies to your future goals or career aspirations?

“The opportunities in the Haub school have allowed myself to understand the type of career I would want for my future. I think the way that they approach undergraduate studies allows students to try a lot of new things, which shows how they can find a career thats well suited for them. I know that experiential learning can really show you what you're more interested in, instead of just going through your degree without knowing it’s something you fully want to commit to. I think the Haub School has helped me make sure this is what I want to do with my future.”

How has the Haub School supported your professional journey? What are your favorite parts of the Haub School? 

“I also help run the Haub School’s ENR Jobs Board which is a great resource for students to use to find positions on or off campus. Everyone should check it out! I've been able to find multiple job opportunities and connections for my future professions, as well as positions during the summer months when we aren’t in school. I’ve found a lab job for this next school year from being active in the community and checking the new positions on the Jobs Board.

My favorites parts of the Haub School are the tight knit community. I like a lot of the faculty and their great teaching styles. I think the Haub School attracts a certain type of professor thats always looking out for their students.”

All photos are courtesy of Leila Johnson and the Haub School.