Something that I've struggled with while entertaining this idea of becoming a pastry chef is essentially dumping my entire undergraduate career in conservation biology and environmental studies, to be blunt. How could I justify abruptly ending an interest in something that I love, living sustainably and being an ally for the environment, to pursue a field that brings people happiness from copious, copious amounts of butter?

This semester has arguably been one of my greatest. I've had both my ups and downs, and as I was recovering from loss and heartache, I learned that sometimes it feels really good to be selfish; thinking only about myself (and whitey of course) was a welcomed refreshment that I think I really needed as I began my journey to end my college life. I've met more people and built more new relationships in the past few months than I probably have in the entire three years since moving to Madison. I've been able to set aside time for allowing myself to hurt and heal, and not feeling ashamed for having nights that were worse than others. And while I know that my family will always be my greatest supporters, this time around they really proved their strength when I felt that mine was fleeting. I know this sounds like an “end of college” reminiscent post (and don’t worry, there will be one) but I wanted to dedicate this post to becoming the best you that there is.

The first outdoor farmer’s market is tomorrow here in Madison, and I couldn't be more excited. For months now I've been dreaming of the mornings when I could wake early and drink my coffee while walking the square, something that brings me great happiness if you recall.

Big news in the Jamie-sphere: I had the amazing and incredible opportunity this week to meet Jane Goodall, a world renowned primatologist and advocate for environmental education. I owe many great thanks to my professor, and albeit sometimes intimidating, mentor Dr. Karen Strier for honoring my volunteering contribution and presenting me with the opportunity to meet Dr. Goodall at the UW’s Earth Day Conference. Her view on the fate of our environment is so hopeful, although she probably knows best the peril that our world is in from her extensive studies of diminishing populations of Africa’s chimpanzees. Meeting (and hugging!) Dr. Goodall was a bittersweet feeling, however inspiring and tear-inducing the afternoon was. After this long winter that we've had, it instilled a feeling of readiness to get back to the things that make me happiest, the things that I’m passionate about. It was difficult for me to acknowledge that I won’t probably ever be a scientist; my time hand-feeding baby house sparrows and identifying individual Muriqui monkeys is finished. But in that realization I also acknowledged that I don’t have to be a scientist to be an ally for the environment, something that I know will continue to be important to me for years to come. In doing so, I've really analyzed my lifestyle: the things I love about it, and a few things that could use a fine-tuning. As I begin this next chapter in my life (filled with anxiety-ridden uncertainty) I've made a commitment to myself and to my field of study to live the best life that I can. Corny as it is, I want to live long. I want to be an inspiration to family and friends, and support my community in the best ways that I am able. So without further ado, here are some things that I’m changing in my life in order to better represent what I think is important, why I've chosen to dedicate four long years to studying sustainability, and as a hopeful-soon-to-be culinary student, I encourage my non-scientist readers to do the same.

1. Make Monday nights "Meat-less Mondays": I'll save you the schpeel but the mass marketing of meat around the world is neither good for the environment, nor is it for our bodies. Animals that are mass produced to make cheap ground beef at the store are fed hormones to increase their bulk and to cover up infections that living in such compacted and filthy conditions entails. Try making one weeknight dinner meatless, and experiment with new vegetable recipes. They pack more nutrients and following a more plant-based diet means a longer life!

2. Buy a water bottle and get drinking! Reality? Tap water is just fine and we're lucky to have it! Buy a reusable water bottle, like the one I just bought, that fits in your purse or backpack.

3. Watch a TEDTalk, or other food documentary: Netflix offers many of these options and I think it's a great way to become well versed on issues surrounding food and sustainability. Experts in the field discuss ways to eat better, and when you're educated on an issue you can be an advocate by teaching others.

4. Buy local, when you can: Eating locally raised and grown food not only supports your community, but it also means fresher foods and less time (and exhaust) traveling around the world. When you support local growers, you're also eating what’s in season which means it'll taste better and come at a lower cost.

5. Choose to walk or bike instead of driving: Need something from the grocery store? Bring your own bag and lace up your sneakers. It's good for your heart, and unless you're short on time, what else have you got going on?

6. Swap one thing you think you can’t live without, with something new: Easier said than done, right? Try challenging yourself to change things up for the better. Instead of taking your coffee with cream and sugar, try drinking it black. Instead of checking Facebook during your break, whip out the Times crossword and impress those around you.

7. Try new foods, new recipes, and cook with family and friends! Try planting an herb garden in your window box or outside: experiment with inexpensive fresh herbs to add flavor to dishes. Need suggestions?
Orangette, Sprouted Kitchen, and Smitten Kitchen are all great starting places. Don’t be afraid of new ingredients and explore new cooking methods.

8. Tune out and turn in: Work on getting more shut-eye and reading before bed. Sleeping more, eating well, and drinking plenty of water can make you instantly feel more alert.

9. And lastly, take care of you! Take time to do things you love, indulge a bit, and nourish relationships with people you care for.