learning from relationships, creating memories

Julie Self, a West Ouachita High School graduate, is a junior biology major.

I participate in most of the shows during ULM 's theatre season—both onstage and offstage. I work in the theatre's costume shop, I am involved in the ULM Concert Choir, and I'm an original member of our new improvisation troupe.

I am majoring in Biology so that I can eventually work in a zoo as a zoo curator or in the reproduction and release of endangered species. I think it is extremely important for us as humans (and animals) to be educated in the world and the way the world works, and this includes animals and their purpose. As a zoo curator, I would have the opportunity not only to implement educational programs, but also to bring new and exotic animals into the zoo. By working with reproduction in endangered species, I want to guarantee that these animals will be around longer so that we can learn from them and more people can appreciate their beauty and uniqueness.

My favorite spot on campus is the Museum of Natural History. I was completely amazed when I discovered that ULM had a Museum of Natural History! It has many educational exhibits and one of the largest collections of amphibians and reptiles in the U.S. It is an extremely interesting place to go (and not just for Biology majors!), and every ULM student should attend at least once before they graduate.

Two of my favorite professors have been Ms. Jerri White and Dr. Bhattacharjee. I work for Ms. Jerri in the theatre costume shop, and she has taught me a lot in the costuming world, the professional theatre world, and the real world. Dr. B taught me in Biology 122, and when I was interested in the Howard Hughes program, he helped me think of a good experiment and also helped to tweak it into a workable experiment.

One of my favorite memories at ULM thus far is participating in “Prelude to a Kiss.” Being involved in a play in itself is an awesome experience, but here at ULM, I feel like it's not just a play, but more of what it should be: a collaboration. The directors I have worked with here listen to any suggestions from the cast. I feel like I'm part of a family here.

Obviously, ULM has helped my education grow. I have taken interesting and challenging classes, and I have met many people in my two years at ULM. My roommates and I are all good friends now, and I have made many good friends in classes and theatre. All of these people leave different kinds of marks on me, and I learn from relationships, both positive and negative. ULM has a variety of programs and activities that challenge you to learn and grow.