Some students enter college with a career path already in mind. But for Gabby Queen, her academic journey at North Carolina State University has been one of self-discovery.
Unsure of her path, Queen took a leave of absence last year to gain some perspective. She spent a few months as a whitewater rafting guide on the Ocoee River in Tennessee before traveling to South America for two months.
During her travels, Queen spent some time on a coffee plantation in Colombia where she learned about an agroforestry practice where beans are grown in the understory of the rainforest.
“This idea was foreign to me as my mental image of, and previous exposure to, agriculture was one that lacked trees entirely,” Queen said.
Queen’s experiences in the outdoors abroad — and closer to home — nurtured a growing love for nature, and more specifically, a deep desire to learn more about forestry.
“My experiences showed me that by studying forestry and prioritizing what I really care about, I live a life in service to the land, my communities and myself,” Queen said.
Queen returned to North Carolina State University and decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in forest management with a concentration in ecology.
Now a rising junior, Queen is finally on a path that feels right for her and is finding success. She serves as a member of Epsilon Eta, an environmental service fraternity, and has joined the NC State Backpacking Club.
“I had to leave NC State and live another life to know that I needed to come back and study forestry,” Queen said.
Queen also works as a yoga instructor and challenge course facilitator for NC State Wellness and Recreation’s “Outdoor Adventures” program.
With support from the Terry Student Assistance and Enrichment Fund, Queen recently completed the “Wilderness First Responder” certification course.
In the Q&A below, Queen talks about her decision to study forest management, some of her favorite experiences so far, what she hopes to accomplish going forward, and much more.
Why did you choose to study forest management?
Gabby Queen: At the core of my soul, I am an outside person. I feel like my happiest, most alive self when I am in a forest … I am so interested in the scientific aspects of the ecosystem interactions within a forest environment, but also in how humans have traditionally interacted with the land. Personally, my curiosity and reverence for the forests wouldn’t exist without the influences of the people who took me outside on little adventures and taught me to love nature. These influences have inspired me not only to study forests but also to branch out into outdoor education and share the love with others.
What is your favorite memory or class from your time at NC State?
Queen: My favorite memory from a class was the first night of the HESO 262: Whitewater Canoeing trip to the New River Gorge. By the time we got to our camp spot for the night, I was physically spent but so happy. Sitting in crazy creek chairs, eating spaghetti and getting to know my classmates, without any of the external stimulus of the outside world, was so sweet, and brought me two very dear friends who I wouldn’t have met otherwise. When it got dark, the world felt still and the sound of the water was a musical background I’d been missing in Raleigh. We heard the train before we saw it and then it was just this light streaking through the trees on the opposite bank. Something about that was magic and I almost wished I had my phone or a camera to capture it, but looking back I’m grateful that the exact moment only lives in the minds of the 10 people with whom I was privileged to take HESO 262.
What are your career goals?
Queen: I know that I would like to work in the forest conservation sector and am considering higher education and the research that comes with it to dive deeper into forest ecology, monitoring for carbon sequestration by forests, tree breeding for conservation, or some other coolness being studied that I’ve yet to discover. I hope to get a position as an undergraduate research assistant in a lab this upcoming school year to get a taste for the research process and to learn about some of the work being done by graduate students and professors within the College of Natural Resources.
How has the College of Natural Resources prepared you for your future?
Queen: The college has prepared me for my future by exposing me to examples of people doing work they love in conservation fields. I did not grow up thinking that jobs in natural resource management were viable career options. This lack of knowledge and exposure prevented me from initially seeking out opportunities for education in natural resources, but I have since been opened to the many possible avenues for stewardship of the earth, whether directly in the field or lab, or indirectly through education and advocacy.
What advice would you give to students entering your major?
Queen: I would tell students entering forest management, or any major, that the journey is in no way linear. Take some time off, adventure, and experience all you can even if that doesn’t look like the idealized “perfect” college and career path. Have the self respect to make choices that reflect the most authentic version of yourself, because when you love the work you do, it shows.
Tell us about something you are passionate about outside of your academic studies.
Queen: Outside of my academic studies, I am passionate about outdoor recreational activities and facilitating experiences for people to get out into nature, stepping (or swimming) into their challenge zones and learning new things.
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