MacKenzy Taylor Price Drousth, who is from Madison, WI, will be graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in forest science. In the below Q&A, she talks about returning to school to pursue another degree and the connections she’s built in the forest science program and the CALS community. MacKenzy plans to explore careers in land management and continue to volunteer with prescribed burn crews around Madison.
What’s your hometown? / Where did you grow up?
Born and raised in Madison, WI.
Why did you choose your major? What was the most interesting or coolest thing you learned in your courses?
After being an “adult” for about 8 years following my first degree (a BFA in painting and metalworking) in 2016, I knew there was something else out there for me. I audited Ornithology and connected with Professor Anna Pidgeon and, in turn, Professor Volker Radeloff, who introduced me to Forest Science, and here we are three years later!
What student organizations, groups, and other activities were you involved in?
Forestry Club and the Christmas tree sale this past year as well as an independent study working with the Toki Orchard Ridge School Forest on the west side of Madison.
What are your post-graduation plans?
Right now, I am in the process of interviewing for a District Forester position with the Indiana DNR. Fingers crossed. If it isn’t the right fit, I will be back to job hunting for a career in land management, wherever that may be. I would love to continue helping with volunteer burn crews immediately after graduation.
What were the most valuable and/or meaningful experiences you had in CALS?
Connections and mentorships with my instructors and forming a tight-knit community with my peers. Also, the internship requirement for my major gave me the opportunity to apply my knowledge in a professional setting.
When you think about your time here as a student, what are you proud of?
I am proud of my drive to learn and keep learning. When I feel down and out, it helps to look back and see how far I have come in a new field of discovery. I am also proud of what I consider to be a lasting support network of like-minded individuals.
Do you have any advice you’d like to share with CALS students?
- Allow yourself to be curious. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Do what you love, the rest will follow.
- When everything feels overwhelming, slow down and observe the tiny wonders of the world around you (such as squirrel shenanigans, who’s that bird, tree buds, patterns in bark, and a neat insect).
What do you like most about being a CALS student?
I have felt at home in CALS, which is huge for me. In my Forest Science program, I have made many great connections with peers and instructors that have helped shape my progress.
If you had to eat one Babcock ice cream flavor for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
A tie between Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Chocolate Peanut Butter (as long as I get a good peanut butter to chocolate ratio).
What’s your favorite thing about the city of Madison?
Generally, Madison is home and it is full of good memories and allows me the chance to be close to my family. It is hard to narrow down to any one thing…so ultimately the variety the city offers (Olbrich Botanical Gardens, State Street, the Capitol Square, so many lakes, and more).