Heyya! My name is Emma Schatz and I am an alumna of WRFI’s 2021 Environmental Ethics course. I am currently a senior at UW-Madison double majoring in Environmental Studies and Life Sciences Communication with a certificate in Chicane & Latine Studies.

Growing up, nature shaped who I was and helped me better understand myself during times of struggle with my own identity. As a biracial woman being raised in a predominantly white area I struggled to find my place in the community, but I knew exactly who I was when I was out in nature. My relationship with the outdoors continues to grow every day as I have found passions related to environmental justice and accessibility to the outdoors.

Attending WRFI’s Environmental Ethics course was the easiest decision I have ever made. Immediately after learning about this program, I knew I had to attend. It was a perfect opportunity to combine my love for backpacking, the environment, and social justice issues in one course. Gaining this type of experiential education is a rare opportunity, and the life skills I learned throughout those three weeks are just as valuable. Not to mention the breathtaking classroom nature has to offer!