Gracie Benstine

High school: Oswego High School

Hometown: Oswego, Ill.

Majors: Environmental studies, geography

Minor: Geographical Information Science and Technology (GIST)

Activities: Camp Kesem; Sierra Club

Internships: Student researcher for Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø's Upper Mississippi Center; research assistant for Dr. Reuben Heine for LIDAR Mapping Hydrology in Shawnee National Forest; research assistant for Dr. Christopher Strunk for Water Justice for the Grand Caillou/Dulac Band.

Post-grad plans: Attending University of Wisconsin-Madison to pursue a M.S. in Environment and Resources

Why Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø?

I found out about Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø because my siblings both attended Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø. I decided to apply on a whim after checking out several schools, and I ended up taking a tour of the campus and fell in love. 

Coming back to campus several years after my siblings had graduated instantly made me feel at home. I felt as though I was visiting my second home, a place where I had spent so much time in my childhood. I knew I wouldn't get this feeling anywhere else.

Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?

Honestly, I have far exceeded where I thought I'd be when I came to campus! I have found a passion for research and interdisciplinary studies that I never imagined I would find. 

I never imagined myself pursuing research, presenting at national conferences and networking with professionals in my field. I am now pursuing graduate school and hoping to eventually earn my Ph.D. and find a career as a research professor.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

If I could name one person who had an instrumental impact on my college career, it would be Dr. Reuben Heine from the geography department. Dr. Heine was my primary advisor, and he helped me plan my undergraduate career in accordance with my career goals and encouraged me to imagine bigger and brighter things for myself than I ever could have considered on my own. 

He offered me a research assistant position during my freshman year, and this completely altered the course of my college career. Under his guidance, I gained a deep passion and love for environmental research and learned incredible skills in GIS and research writing and presenting. Through his endless support and encouragement, Dr. Heine helped shape me into the confident, self-assured and dedicated person I am today. I cannot thank him enough. 

I would also like to thank Dr. Strunk, Dr. Lashley, Dr. Jenny Arkle, Dr. Reisner, Dr. Geedey and Peyton Heisch for their mentorship and support throughout my four years!

Peak experience?

One standout experience for me was a study abroad course I took in Louisiana during my sophomore year called GEOG-230 Water and Environmental Justice. It covered the many environmental justice issues faced by several marginalized communities in the Gulf Coast. 

This course was filled with fun, friends and many networking opportunities. This was where I found my passion for environmental justice and allowed me to explore this new discovery in depth with real-world application.

What surprised you?

I was surprised to find how many professional opportunities I had to develop my skill set! I never expected to be working on a research project as a freshman, and later to have my own independent research published.

I never thought these opportunities were available at the undergraduate level, but at Augie not only are they available, but they are accessible and encouraged!

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I used my Augie Choice for a study abroad course in Bonaire, studying island geology and SCUBA diving in beautiful coral reefs!

What will you miss the most?

I will miss my communities the most. I will miss my close friends and my roommates, who have been my best friends and closest confidants for the past four years. I feel so lucky to have met such wonderful people who I will hold close for the rest of my life. 

I will also miss the community I found in each of my majors, especially the geography department, which became a second home for me. My peers, professors and advisors have become a second family, and I will miss them all dearly.

Advice for the Class of 2029?

Take every opportunity given to you even if it is something you may be on the fence about. You'll get opportunities to do so many cool things, and it pays to engage with as many as you can. You'll learn new things about yourself, and I've never once regretted saying yes!