This week’s Student Spotlight features Missouri State University junior, Morgan Wetzel. Students featured in the Student Spotlights show characteristics exemplified in each of Missouri State University’s three pillars: Ethical Leadership, Cultural Competence, and Community Engagement. They also exemplify what daily practices of sustainability look like. You can find these students educating, volunteering, and pushing for a more sustainable future. Please read on to see how Morgan practices the three pillars, sustainability, and what it means to be a bear.

Name: Morgan Wetzel

Hometown: Nixa, Missouri

Graduation Year: 2019

Major: Wildlife Conservation and Management

What is your favorite vegetable?

Green beans.

What career options are you thinking about and why?

I would like to work for the National Park Service, or as a backpacking guide because I love to be outdoors and I love to interact and show other people the natural world. I would also like to open my own albergue in Spain on El Camino de Santiago.

What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?

In my free time, I like to hang out with my friends or go camping, floating, and hiking.

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go and why?

If I could travel anywhere, it would be back to Spain because I walked El Camino de Santiago this past summer and I would love to do it again.  The country is beautiful.

When did you first become interested in sustainability?

Share the story. I have been interested in sustainability since I was a little kid.  My dad used to take me to the national parks every summer so, I grew up loving the environment.  Almost 2 years ago, my family went through a life-changing event that opened my eyes and made me realize that I was only doing the bare-minimum to protect our environment.  Since then, I have followed my passion to sustain the Earth for future generations.

How are you involved in sustainability on campus and/or in the community?

On campus, I am the chief sustainability commissioner for student government.  Off campus, I volunteer at the Watershed Center.

What motivated you to get involved?

My passion for the environment.

What advice would you give other students who want to live more sustainably?

You only get one life, live it fully and leave no trace behind.  Recycle, Recycle, Recycle.  Volunteer in your community, change starts small.  

What is one thing that makes you unique?

My sense of adventure.

What is your favorite quote?

“You don’t choose a life, you live one.”