Mesmerizing Intricacies, Beautiful Life
Photo courtesy of Sam Bogan '16.
Sam Bogan '16
Sam Bogan '16 wanted to attend a college where students felt empowered to make a difference, a place where he'd find fellow game-changers with similar worldviews. "This [sense of empowerment] was a characteristic that I felt was missing at a number of colleges I visited [as a prospective student]," he says. Today, this Dickinsonian delves deep into his interests, whether as a "Treehouse kid," farm volunteer, a cappella vocalist, environmental advocate or peer advisor. Discover what motivates him and how his appreciation for beauty led him to pursue a biology degree.
Major:
Clubs and organizations:
The Treehouse, Idea Fund, Reinvest Dickinson and the Infernos.
Favorite book:
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison.
Favorite movie:
2001: A Space Odyssey.
On choosing Dickinson:
Most importantly, I wanted [to be part of] a campus where students were empowered and engaged, and Dickinson seemed like a place where I could get my hands dirty. Being interested in biology, I really value the extracurricular and research opportunities I discovered here, including [those at] the College Farm.
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
Through Reinvest Dickinson, I’ve found my voice as an activist, and I've discovered the collective power of my peers. I’ve also learned the value of patience, cooperation and conviction. I know that what I have learned in succeeding as a student, an activist and a member of my community will apply directly to my life after Dickinson.
Favorite place on campus:
Wherever The Peddler is that morning.
Favorite Dining Hall food:
Falafel at the KOVE.
Little-known hobby/talent:
I’m really into digital media. I spend a lot of my spare time shooting and editing photography and video, writing and recording music and doing graphic design.
About my internship:
As a student intern at the College Farm, I learned a rich variety of skills. It's difficult not to discover yourself. The work was active, unfamiliar and valuable, and I wanted to be a part of this community.
On being part of a wider community:
My greatest takeaway from my internship at the farm is the introduction it gave me to the Carlisle region. Working at [downtown Carlisle farmer’s market] Farmers on the Square, visiting nearby farms like Yee Haw Farms and Spiral Path and spending time with other farmers, young and old, gave me a sense of place that I did not immediately feel, stepping on campus. I plan to work as a student farmer until I graduate and then, hopefully, as a farm apprentice.
On beauty, biology and future plans:
My major in biology stems from my belief that everything in the living world—from the development of a fragile embryo to the intricacies of ecological systems—is beautiful and mesmerizing, when we look beyond surface observations. I want to use my passion [for studying biological systems] to further our understanding of ecology and to help bring about progress and change.
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Published June 3, 2014