Bábara Crespo
Education
What are you up to now?
I am currently a 5th-grade teacher in the Bronx, New York. After Bates, I earned a Fulbright Grant to teach in Guatemala. I became a teacher after that year and I have now taught for four years. I am currently working on my second master’s in TSAL, in which I am learning more about teaching students with English as their second language. At the school I teach currently, I teach multilingual learners from many different backgrounds.
How has your decision to pursue an Environmental Studies major at Bates impacted your current career?
The components of Justice and Politics within my studies in the ES department have greatly influenced the ways in which I teach my students about environmental justice. ES classes don’t just discuss land and nature, they hold so many conversations about marginalized communities and social justice.
What was the most rewarding aspect of being an Environmental Studies student at Bates?
Definitely getting out of my comfort zone! It was so rewarding to get my hands dirty and complete certain hours in the field. I have learned so much knowledge from my degree at Bates that I pass along to my students every day.
Any fond memories of the Environmental Studies department?
Collaboration was so big within the department, whether it was fieldwork or a large project. Meeting your lab partner and working through an assignment knowing you are accountable for the same project elevates you from complete strangers to friends instantly. I also loved my professors and having the ability to just go knock on their door in Hedge to get advice or cry about my thesis, they were always there for me.
Any advice for current students trying to decide on a major or in general?
If you find your voice, make sure that you use it. In whatever space you end up in, make sure you are heard and make sure you listen. Finally, do things with love.