An Interview with Evelyn Tawil
Hunter College Spring 2020 Geography Major graduate and Valedictorian
By Christina Santiago, Hunter College, English major

 

Why I choose Geography?
Ever since I was a little kid, I always loved science and math. I really appreciated how there are methods to test things, and how concrete the studies were. I won the Science Fair in elementary school and even started memorizing the periodic table for fun (yes, I was a weird kid…) Unfortunately, my high school science classes did not excite me at all, in fact they completely turned me away from the study.

That all changed when I took my first Geology course with professor Randye Rutberg at Hunter College. I suddenly fell in love all over again! The class taught undeniable science, there was nothing to argue about, and might I add it was fascinating. There was no Geology major at the time, so I decided to go with Geography, and it was the best decision I made. I really found my home at the Geography and Environmental Science Department, and had amazing Professors that really pushed me to where I am today.

I learned multiple software programs such as GIS, LEAP, Python, RStudio, and fine-tuned my Excel capabilities in Population Geography. I also learned about many subtopics within the Sustainability branch, such as Ecology, Biogeography, Resource Management, Urban Water supply, Energy Policy, the Sustainable Development, and so much more. The Geography Department welcomed me with open arms, and the advisors treated me with individual attention, which I know is rare in such a large school.

My Professors were eager to meet with me when I was applying for Graduate School, and they opened me to a world of possibilities and connections that I never knew existed. Thanks to their recommendations, I got accepted to the Masters of Landscape Architecture program at the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture at CITY College, where I plan to attend this upcoming Fall. I am extremely grateful and will forever be indebted to the Geography and Environmental Science department at Hunter College.

Published: May 11, 2020