Eizaak Jordan
(BA, 2022), Fundraiser/Program Coordinator, Vive Northwest.
Being raised in rural Idaho, I built a lifelong connection with public lands, particularly wilderness areas in the American West. I joined ISU’s political science department to develop the tools necessary to comprehend and address the complex problems surrounding the management of our shared natural spaces. I wanted to enter the workforce with writing, critical thinking, and creative skills that would allow me to develop innovative programs and policies to improve outcomes for forests, wetlands, and arid ecosystems in the American West. I walked away from the program with these skills and deeply cherished memories.
There is no question that the program positioned me to get into a fully funded graduate program and land an upper-level position in an environmental organization. Few programs can match ISU's Political Science department's care for their students, capacity for innovation, and research rigor. One exceptional experience I had was through the CPI program, where the department funded an internship as a conservation manager with Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust. The training was invaluable for deepening my understanding of the inner working of environmental non-profits and working with rural landowners. I also collaborated with several professors to research environmental civil society and public opinion. Additionally, lectures, assigned papers, and in-class activities were enriching and challenging inside the classroom, strengthening my capacity to analyze and synthesize information. I left the program with the passion and skills to develop programs that get people outside and protect our incredible ecosystems.