Our next senior in our Senior Series has some great advice for underclassmen and a study spot that is a well-kept secret. Read on to find out more about Kristen Sheldon!
Name: Kristen Sheldon
Hometown: Burlington, MA
Major: Biology
Minor (if you have one): Studio Art
Favorite Professor at Clark:
This is a tough one but I’d have to say Prof. Dominik Kulakowski. I had him for his Forest Ecology class and he’s honestly the tree whisperer I’ve always aspired to be.
Favorite Class at Clark:
Hmm, definitely Ecology of Atlantic Shores with Prof. Robertson & Livdahl! Aside from the fact that I got to live in Bermuda for a few weeks at a research station, this class really inspired me to pursue a career in marine science.
Favorite Spot to Study on Campus and Why:
Okay so this may be totally not okay to do but I have done it millions of times: on the second floor of Estabrook, all the way to the back and down a little hallway there’s a practice room where you can open a window and climb out of it to sit on the roof overlooking Charlotte Street. Not sure if you could get much studying done there but it’s a pretty neat spot nonetheless.
Favorite Bistro Snack:
PIZZARITA. No competition.
What has been your favorite thing about going to school at Clark?
I know this may sound a little nerdy, but all the classes I’ve taken have collectively been my favorite thing at Clark. I’ve taken philosophy, econ, visual studies & 2D design, poli. sci, short story writing, epigenetics, and photography classes to name only a few. All of these perspectives opened my mind and allowed me to think in a more multi-faceted way, which really rounded me out as a person during my four years at Clark.
What will you miss most about Clark?
Clark is full of insanely bright & motivated people who are such a positive force to be reckoned with. I’ll definitely miss being surrounded by all the inspiration and creativity the students and staff bring.
What clubs and activities were you involved with on campus?
The main club I’ve been involved with over the past few years was Dance Society, which provided an amazing outlet for me when the whole bio course load would get too rough. I’ve also been involved with NRHH, YOW, and Unified Sports.
What are your best words of wisdom for underclassmen?
I would say my best advice looking back would be just to go with the flow. I’ve wasted so much of my undergrad life worrying about things that did not matter in the grand scheme of things. I sometimes forgot to enjoy what college is all about – feeling out who you are and finding what you’re passionate about. Ugh I’m so cliché but there you have it.
What are your plans post-graduation?
Right now, I’m planning on backpacking through Europe over the summer in hopes of escaping this exact question for a few months once I graduate. Nah but really, I hope to land a job as a marine researcher somewhere tropical post-grad and eventually get my masters over at UCSB but who knows, right?
Thanks, Kristen!