IllinoisCollege of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

Katelyn Hilst

Activities:

Illini Juggling and Unicycling Club, Knitting Illini, Floral Design Club, volunteering and IUB Tech Crew

What do you like most about your major?

The best part about my major is the opportunities. From internships to international study, from research to reaching out through volunteering, the opportunities are endless.

What are your favorite courses within your major?

My favorite courses have been Geographic Information Systems (NRES 454) and Environmental Psychology (NRES 472). These two classes stand out because they offered appealing coursework in areas in which I had no prior experience before coming to UI.

What are your favorite extracurricular activities related to your major?

I volunteer at Prairie Rivers Network, an organization dedicated to maintaining Illinois’ rivers and streams and the health of the watersheds. Every time I volunteer, I learn at least a half-dozen new components of the environment, such as rain garden plants. I also love inventing different ways to reuse recyclables. For instance, one time I made a clothes line out of plastic bags.

What are your favorite extracurricular activities not related to your major?

Illini Juggling and Unicycling Club, the Knitting Illini, the Floral Design Club and working with the IUB cast and crew

Describe your most memorable experience at the College of ACES.

My most memorable experience at the College was when I attended an awards banquet for a scholarship I had received. It was an amazing experience to see so many talented people of various backgrounds come together to celebrate academic achievements and to network with deans and fellow students.

What is your advice for students interested in the College of ACES?

If something in the College of ACES looks the tiniest bit interesting, get involved. The College of ACES always has something engaging occurring and you are sure to find something that calls out your name.

Why do you belong at Illinois?

UI has become my home over the past three years. My family has grown to include faculty, staff and fellow students. It has been a place where I have developed academically and personally. I cannot imagine life without the experience UI has offered.