“My inspiration for service comes from experiencing first-hand how your efforts really make a difference in people’s lives.” Working on her degree in Cultural and Regional Geography, Nicole says she enjoys studying the interconnectedness of the world and how it came to be in its present state. This interconnectedness led to the discovery of one particular passion – gardening.

Outside her class work, working as a Computer Services Lab Assistant and being President of the Bear Service Team, Nicole also volunteers with the Springfield Urban Agriculture Coalition.  Recently she assisted in the planting of apple trees at the new Farmers’ Market Pavilion and this summer, is interning with the Coalition to help expand their curriculum with the DIRT’s schoolyard garden projects. “For several years now kids have been learning how to grow their gardens, but now they need to know how to use and eat what they grew!” Nicole is creating a curriculum on how kids can safely prepare, cook and eat foods from the garden.

As June’s Public Affairs Student Spotlight, we are proud to recognize Nicole’s leadership both on and off campus, her active community engagement and her dedication to environmental stewardship!

This entry originally appeared on the public affairs blog. Our thanks to author Stacey Trewatha-Bach. 

More about how Nicole is engaging the community