London Bates discovers her passion for community and environmental sociology
London Bates, who grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is graduating this winter with a bachelor’s in community and environmental sociology and a certificate in sustainability. She was selected to be the CALS flag bearer at the UW–Madison 2024 winter commencement ceremony. In this Q&A, she talks about her switch to the community and environmental sociology major, and her growth as a leader through student organizations. She plans to get a masters degree in environmental conservation.
Why did you choose your major? What was the most interesting or the coolest thing you learned?
I originally came in as an environmental science major. I had a newfound passion for the environment we live in and protecting it. I reached my junior year when I realized that it wasn’t what I wanted to do anymore. Soil testing in the dead winters was not what I was passionate about, I aspired to protect the environment, as well as the communities that exist within the environment. I talked to my advisor and she introduced me to the community and environmental sociology major within CALS. Since I switched, I’ve learned more about the principle and power in the environmental justice movement. I’ve gained a better understanding of what both community and what a safe social and physical environment meant to me.
What student organizations, groups, and other activities were you involved in?
I would say I was pretty active in undergrad. I have been involved with the UW–Madison chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) since my freshman year in 2020. I joined the executive board during my sophomore year. Within the same year, I served as the Student Leader for IMPACT Badger, the UW–Madison chapter of the IMPACT Movement in Wisconsin. During Fall 2024, I was initiated into the Zeta Xi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
What are your future academic and/or career plans, short-term and long-term?
I am currently applying for graduate school, I would like to get my master’s in environmental conservation. Beyond that, I aspire to find a position related to project management. I want to help local and national environmental and environmental justice projects. I want to aid both the physical and social well-being of our environments.
What were the most valuable and/or meaningful experiences you had in CALS?
The most valuable and meaningful experiences I’ve had in CALS were the opportunities to volunteer. I participated in CALS QuickStart, and assisted the academic affairs office with recruitment efforts as a volunteer at Admitted Students of Color Event(s).
When you think about your time here as a student, what are you proud of?
I am most proud of my growth as a leader. I’ve taken positions on exec boards for different orgs, and I’ve held management positions during my summers. I discovered my leadership style and my voice.
Do you have any advice you’d like to share with CALS students?
Have faith. Trust in what you know, trust in what you have access to, and keep your head up. It’ll all work out.
What do you like most about being a CALS student?
I loved the feeling of community and the application of both real world and service-based learning. You can feel how passionate the staff is, no matter the focus area. CALS made me feel confident in my ability to make an impact in my field.
If you had to eat one Babcock ice cream flavor for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
If I had to eat one Babcock ice cream flavor, it would be the chocolate chip cookie dough. I really just love cookie dough; Babcock didn’t do too bad.
What’s your favorite thing about the city of Madison?
I loved the outdoor access and activities. There were always opportunities to go outside and enjoy your environment, my favorite thing to do was to take walks along the pathways and lakeshores.