Jenna Catsos '09

Hometown: The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Major: Progressive Program, with concentrations in fine arts, communications, and writing

Eco League School I Attend: Green Mountain College

Where I Did My Eco League Experience: College of the Atlantic

Most Dramatic Difference Between the Two Environments: COA is right on the ocean, which was really amazing—I could look out of any of the windows on campus and see the ocean.

Courses I Took: Web Design, Alternative Political Philosophies, and Theories and Practices of Organic Gardening

Fun Things to Do in the Area: The majority of students live off campus, and people are always having dinners, concerts, dance parties, and general get-togethers in their houses. The town has lots of restaurants and stores. And the ocean is everywhere. Acadia National Park is right next door for sweet hikes. The College also has an amazing farm, and they love it when people come to help out.

My Best Excursion/Adventure There: For my first hike in Bar Harbor, we went to the only sandy beach on the island and hiked up this rock face. The views were amazing—at every plateau you could see the ocean, and it just went on forever. When we finished, we played on the beach for a while and watched the sun set.

Best Time to Go: I suggest anytime except the winter. The spring is beautiful, and you get to see the whole area come back to life.

What to Read Up on Before You Go: Human ecology (COA people love it!)

What is Unique About the People There: Everyone is very passionate about what they do, and about learning in general. And everyone is so accepting. It's a community where everyone is very close, and they all care about the College and each other.

Faculty Member I Most Enjoyed Working With: All of the professors I encountered were really great. My political philosophies professor, Gray Cox, was really inspirational and supportive. My gardening professor was also a great help and an enthusiastic teacher.

Reasons to Participate in an Eco League Experience: A change of scenery, a chance to take different classes and meet new people. (Honestly, I don't understand why anyone wouldn't do it!)