Junior, Shelby Mireles, is raising awareness of environmental issues through her eco-friendly lifestyle, with a driving force to make a change.
What is your major and why?
“Ever since I was little I loved being in the outdoors and seeing nature and life in its natural state. I would spend my summer on my family farm in Texas enjoying the outdoors every second I could. I’ve always lived in an urban area, but when I moved to Florida it was rural. New Tampa was being built up from nothing and I couldn’t understand why supermarkets and restaurants were being created around me because it was ruining the beauty of my once rural town.I have something to contribute the world in a positive way and I feel as though I can do that through my environmental science major. I will be able to travel the world and implement new policies that will be able to protect the environment as well as adapt with the changing times.”
Why did you choose the University of South Florida?
“I love the diversity and the energy that surrounds the USF campus every day. Everyone is so opinionated and organizations are not afraid to protest their beliefs. Also, our university has a great environmental science program and an up-in-coming College of Global Sustainability Masters program. When I decide to go to graduate school, this program will correlate perfect with my major and it will give a global perspective to my education.”
What makes you different from others?
“I believe that my life goals and ambitions make me different. I rarely meet environmental scientists, so I get my influence from my environmental science professors that I am honored to meet. They make me proud of my career choice. I really would like to make a difference to someone or something. I want to change their life for the better and help their living conditions as much as I can. For me money is not the motive, change is.”
What are you passionate about?
“I am passionate about environmental issues, animal activism, and equality for all. I wish that one day people would start caring more about the real issues in the world and stop being selfish and wasting our resources. I have tried to change my lifestyle to a more environmental cautious manner, I treat everyone same respect not matter the race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, and I have a passion for animal rights. I live with optimism and compassion for anyone and anything. I want to be known for my activism and passion for life. I want to be remembered in a positive way that hopefully is due to the differences I have made.”
Biggest influence in life?
“My biggest influence in my life is my grandfather. The amount of love and support he has given me through my whole life is the only thing that keeps me going when times get hard. He has lived a long, rough life but he never takes his unfortunate events out on his family. He is always willing to help me with anything I need and will figure out a way to help me no matter how large the problem is. He is my strong influence, he is my hero.”
What is your favorite place to go in Tampa?
“My favorite place to go to in Tampa is Lettuce Lake Park located near USF. It is such a peaceful and beautiful environment to surround yourself with when the pressure of school consumes you. The positive energy and amount of fresh air will always help you clear your mind.”