SEO President finds her niche at Shepherd University

Two year old Kristen Trevey runs to the ocean fearless then is immediately knocked down by a wave.  Eighteen years later, Trevey is an environmental science major at Shepherd University with a desire to be a Marine Ecologist.

"Honestly I'll be happy as long as I get to splash around and examine living organisms and ecosystems. I love water, living things, adventure, boats, learning, and the ocean especially," Trevey said.

Trevey started out as a Spanish major at GoucherCollegein Baltimore, then transferred to Shepherd to save money and switch her major to environmental science.  She enjoys her experience at Shepherd although she described some general education courses as "somewhat tedious."

Helping out her friends in SEO, Shepherd Environmental Organization, is how Trevey initially became involved in the organization, and "eventually somehow became president," said Trevey.

Her involvement in SEO is a reflection of her bigger perspective of the world which she feels has room for tremendous changes in human's relationship with the environment. 

"Humans have undeniably made an enormous impact on the planet, and we must rally ourselves and make real adjustments to how we live in order to address environmental issues mentioned previously, in addition to humans rights and other social issues," said Trevey

On a smaller scale Trevey plans activities to improve the campus and engage students in environmental action, which as SEO president is part of her job description. Shepherd University could enact to make it more eco-friendly said Trevey.  Some of these ideas include using more sustainable energy, compost piles, local foods at the dining hall and a green fee added on tuition.

Some events Trevey feels are lacking because there wasn't that much publicity or plans falling through with group members.  She hopes to grow a large member base for SEO and reach out to the Shepherdstown community and Shepherd Students. 

In events she plans for SEO she enjoys and said that the position of SEO isn't a burden.  Her favorite trip was back to her hometown in Keedysville, MD.  They visited Tergo Mountain sanctuary where participants visited squirrels, hawks, owls and other local animals in the process of rehabilitation.

Trevor's favorite class at Shepherd University has also involved close examination of sea-creatures in an Oceanography class which she has taken twice.  The class makes a field trip to theVirginia Institute of Marine Science where they examined various samples they took from open water and the bottom. They also visited an island where they discussed ecosystems, organisms and natural erosion.

From small critters to large global issues, Trevey is learning to make an impact from the bottom up.

"Honestly, I try to stay updated on political issues but I'm clueless about much of it. Obviously I think that environmental issues are extremely important, and that human affairs are not the most pressing agenda on the planet. I think that President Obama is quite an improvement on the recent past, and I hope that he takes climate change, species extinction, habitat loss, and pollution very seriously." 

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