Virginia St. Clair

Hello! My name is Virginia and I am from Boone, North Carolina! I’m a rising sophomore at Furman and I am majoring in Sustainability Science and planning to minor in Environmental Studies and Data Analytics. 

My first year at Furman was a great one, marked by wonderful friendships, thought-provoking classes, and fun campus involvement. I am part of the Furman Singers, an active Furman Eco-Rep member, and am excited to further my campus involvement through the Writing and Media Lab, Peer Assisted Learning, and SUS department activities in the coming years. 

Growing up in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains sparked my passion for sustainability and ultimately played a large role in why I chose Sustainability Science as my major. So much of how we orient sustainability solutions is rooted in problem solving, effective data analysis, creative thinking, and collaboration; this is why I am hoping to study Data Analytics alongside my major. However, I have not been exposed to many examples of sustainability and data analytics in a corporate setting. Walt Disney World is a perfect example of how I may see those interests in action. I am excited for how this trip will provide opportunities for me to apply the knowledge I already have while simultaneously learning (and having fun) alongside my peers! 

I have only been to Disney World once and was too young to remember most of it, so I am eager to get to go back and fully experience the park! Beyond getting to experience rides and attractions for the first time, I am excited to get a behind-the-scenes look at the park and work collaboratively with my peers on projects. There is a lot to be gained from being in an interactive and experiential learning environment, and I'm looking forward to immersing myself in one during this trip. 

As I have minimal Disney World Experience, I cannot speak to any favorite rides, restaurants, or attractions (my Disney knowledge has always been and still is incredibly limited; I know almost nothing) but I am looking forward to things that others have told me about. I am excited to experience the parks at night, and get to go on rides in the dark and see the fireworks, and am especially excited about Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. 

I am most looking forward to the memories I will make with this group of people. I love our group already, and am thrilled to get to know everyone more, work together, have fun together, and make lasting memories. This is an experience that I will remember far beyond my four years at Furman, and one I cannot wait to embark on!