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Johnston Student Profile: Alex Babcock

         

             There's always characters around the Johnston Center. Every once in a while we try to sit down for a couple minutes and capture an example of the individuality this institution embraces. Alex Babcock has been described by faculty member Kelly Hankin as a "model Johnston student." With her canine companion and sidekick Sky by her side, Alex agreed to open up about her Johnston experience.

 LS: We're here right now outside the Java coffee house with none other than Johnston student Alex Babcock, how are you Alex?
AB: Wonderful, tickle to my toes. 
LS: What are you up to as we speak?
AB: I am just getting ready to study my G.R.E. vocab list.
LS: Oh really? What's your emphasis of study here at the Johnston Center?
AB: Marine Governance, so I read environmental studies and focus on how the law and government can create a framework to protect it. 
LS: What's your background coming into Johnston?
AB:  I come from an agricultural little podunk town, but I spent much of my life dancing hula and going to Hawaii and various other islands.  That created my love for the ocean and then from that stemmed my interest in politics and government and how to protect the environment. 
LS: Do you see yourself being a lawyer one day?
AB: Yes! Currently I am applying for programs that give me my law degree while also a Masters in marine policy. 
LS: You seem to know what you want academically, have you found that here at Johnston? Do you feel fulfilled with your education?
AB: Yes! I cannot imagine what I would be doing if I had gone just into marine biology at another school. I really feel like I have a complete path and direction that I am passionate about. 
LS: How do you feel that as far as a living/learning community Johnston serves its students? 
AB: In the sense that I have learned so much more outside my emphasis just by sitting on the porch and getting in crazy debates about queer theory or feminism, subjects I would not have necessarily have taken a course in, but I feel that after my four years I am almost well versed in many areas that I did not formally study. 
LS: As far as the social scene, there seems to be an unspoken tension between the Johnston Center students and Greek life. However, you are one of the students who bridges the gap and does Greek life as well as the Johnston program. Could you talk a little bit about that? 
AB: Well, after my freshman year living in Johnston I felt that I wanted to be exposed to a wider range of opinions. For instance I came from a very Republican town even though I am very liberal. Through the Greek community I get to know many other fellow women that I might not share the same opinions with, but they really invigorate my life here. I also maintain a great, fulfilling existence here at the Johnston community that’s more in line with my personal beliefs and lifestyle. 
LS: Do you feel like a lot of your Greek life acquaintances and friends are supportive of your Johnston education? 
AB: Completely! I mean, I am part of the sorority with the largest population of Johnston members in it. The fellow sisters that aren't Johnston really promote being invested in your academics. 
LS: Awesome! Where are you going to be in five years?
AB: Hopefully I am working for some government advising higher ups on marine policy or living on an island trying to set up a marine park, or owning an ecolodge while also maintaining a non-governmental marine based organization. 
LS: Do you have any advice for future Johnston students? 
AB: Ummm, go out, experience life, find what you are passionate about and then create your emphasis around that. And then know that the world is so big that, no matter what you choose as an emphasis, if you are passionate there will be an opportunity. 
  • By uorjohnstonadmin at 02/14/2010 - 19:04
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