Alumni Spotlight: Sam Burlager '15

Sam Burlager '15 

Environmental Studies Major, Political Science Minor 

Current Job

Sam is currently serving as a Green Corps member at the Stearn's History Museum in St. Cloud where she is working on environmental history and sustainability programming. Part of her work is developing environmental education programming  for the Boys and Girls club. Sam said the highlight of this experience so far has been the personal connections made with individuals in the St. Cloud community. 

After Sam finished up her time with the Green Corps she is headed to Southern California to work at High Trails Outdoor Science School in San Bernadino National Forest, where she will be teaching outdoor environmental education to fifth and sixth graders. 

Most Memorable Sustainability Projects at Macalester 

When asked to look back at some of the most memorable environmental organizations or projects that Sam had been a part of during her time at Macalester, many moments came to mind. Sam highlighted the student organization MacCares and dirty trainings, a student-led initiative which teaches students how to properly compost and recycle so that Macalester can reach its zero waste goal by 2020. Another memorable project Sam emphasized was winning an action fund grant to do a Carrot Mob. A Carrot Mob is where instead of boycotting a business to punish them for bad practices, you reward a business for good practices. The Carrot Mob occurred at El Norteño Restaurant in Minneapolis, and the proceeds were set aside to support the owner's commitment to improving energy efficiency in their restaurant. Sam also said she would always remember the summer research project she did working with the ES department on climate change adaption in Saint Paul with Christie Manning and Roopali Phadke. 

Connections to the Sustainability Office 

While at Macalester, Sam also worked in the Sustainability Office. Sam emphasized that along with all of her academic work as a student, she learned a lot of excellent life skills and made a lot of excellent connections through her sustainability work that she wouldn't have without Macalester. She learned how to collaborate and seek out connections. Looking back at her time at Macalester Sam said there isn't really anything she would have done differently, however she does wish she had been more involved with MULCH, the community garden's chickens. 

How Does Sustainability Fit into Daily Life? 

When asked how sustainability fits into her daily life, Sam said "I use it constantly in my work. Sustainability is a way of thinking, like how can I waste fewer resources, do things more efficiently, and create the least harm." Sam's advice for students who are interested in a career in sustainability is "there are so many opportunities. You can bring sustainability into any job; it doesn't have to be explicitly environmental studies related. Networking and connections really do matter. Utilize Macalester alumni and other students because Macalester connections really are pervasive throughout the Twin Cities and the world.