José G. González is pursuing a master's degree in Behavior, Education and Communication. He plans to graduate in May 2009. Originally from Turlock, Calif., José earned his undergraduate degree in history (with an emphasis on Latin American history) in 2004 from the University of California, Davis.
Name: José G. González
Age: 27
Hometown: Turlock, Calif.
SNRE degree sought: M.S
Projected semester/year of graduation: April 2009
Undergraduate degree: History, Latin American emphasis, University of California, Davis ('04)
Why did you pick this particular field of study? Why were you drawn to this field?
While an undergraduate, I taught as an informal educator and was a program director for after-school programs serving underprivileged youth. After graduating, I obtained my teaching credential and taught in high school and junior high. There, I wanted to explore more of the ways in which education can help in fostering environmentally responsible behaviors. I worked with at-risk youth and the Latino community, and was interested in how they perceive and engage environmental issues. Eventually I was exposed to the Behavior, Education and Communication program here at SNRE and decided it was a great place to bring all my experience and thoughts together in helping people engage in environmental issues but more specifically foster environmentally responsible behaviors.
What do you like best so far about your program?
I love the flexibility of the program and some of the variety present. I am exposed to different angles and it broadens my view of how to communicate with people and the role education can play in promoting stewardship of the environment. Each professor I have met has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and things to think about.
Describe your research interests and experiences at SNRE.
I am interested in how people process information, how environments can assist or hinder efforts to communicate with people and the models available to promote environmentally responsible behaviors. Specifically, I am interested in how "non-traditional" communities engage in environmental issues.
What will you do after graduation?
I hope to work with a nonprofit organization or in the public sector promoting land and habitat conservation with underprivileged and/or non-traditional communities. But overall, I want to be in an environment where I help people want to be part of the solution to our current environmental problems.
What advice do you have for incoming SNRE students?
No plan survives its contact with reality, but you should still organize and plan, remembering you are not alone. There are opportunities present, but they can take work to make the most of them. And cliché as it may sound, it really is what you make of it. There will be many classes that you will want to take and will not be able to, but it's okay.
How do you relax when not studying?
I look for relaxing environments or activities that promote mental restoration. A walk in the Arboretum, doing something fascinating or taking naps in various locations around campus are some of the ways I try to recover much of the directed attention spent on class work.