Jill Bunge '10

by Nicole Ainsworth '09

An Unconventional Path
While it is difficult to capture the essence of GMC student Jill Bunge in just a few words, the terms “motivated,” “independent,” and “mature” come to mind. Certainly, “curious,” “involved,” or “articulate” would work. But perhaps the best adjective to describe this Whitehouse, Ohio resident is “unconventional”—she’s a second semester junior and she’s only 19.

This environmental studies major with a concentration in policy and sustainable agriculture and food production began her intellectual exploration of the natural world as a junior in high school. She started attending classes at Bowling Green State University in part because high school was mildly "boring," and in part because as a high school student her classes and textbooks were free.

“In the end, I did it because of the financial situation,” Jill reflects. “I realized that I wouldn’t be able to afford college for all four years. I saved a little money then so I could spend a little extra money to finish up where I really wanted to go.”

And Jill is pleased with her choice. Her time at GMC has strengthened her interest in organic agriculture and animal husbandry, while her studies have helped her recognize the inherent “interconnectedness of everything.” She is energized by the passion she sees in the local food movement in Vermont, especially since “most of the stuff at home is GMO.”

Though she’s always been interested in the environment, she was unsure of how to approach this issue until her experiences at Green Mountain. “I’ve started to realize that agriculture is the foundation of this entire environmental movement,” she notes, “which helps because I love it and it’ll pay the bills.”

After “fast forwarding through college” - Jill will have spent 2 ½ years at GMC when she graduates - she would like to become an advocate for sustainable agricultural practices. While she is not sure if she wants to get involved with politics or become a lawyer quite yet, she does know she wants to travel.

“I’m thinking about joining the Peace Corps, or volunteering somewhere different. I’ve always had an interest in sociology and cultural anthropology, so I’d like to explore those subjects. Plus, it’s a great way to go somewhere while doing something important, too.”

Afterwards, Jill would like to eventually get her master’s degree and then return home to bring what she’s learned to an area that needs this type of knowledge the most.




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Volleyball
Saturday, 11/8
NAC Semi-Finals, at Husson College, 10 a.m.


WEEK AT A GLANCE


MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3
Energy Healing
1 - 4 p.m., Bozen Wellness Center

Tai Chi
4 - 5 p.m., Bogue Movement Studio

GreenMAP Kayak Pool Session
8 - 9:30 p.m., Waldron Pool

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4
Meditation
2:30 - 3 p.m., Chapel

Women's Circle
3 - 4 p.m., Chapel

Election Night Party
6 p.m. - 12 a.m., The Gorge

Candlelight Labyrinth Walk
6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Meet in the Chapel

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5
Massage Therapy & Reflexology
1 - 8 p.m., Bozen Wellness Center

Vinyasa Flow Yoga
4 - 5:30 p.m., Bogue Movement Studio

Belly Dancing
7 - 8 p.m., Bogue Movement Studio

Murder Mystery
9 p.m., The Gorge

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Massage Therapy & Reflexology
1 - 8 p.m.
Bozen Wellness Center

Tae Kwon Do
7 - 8 p.m., Bogue Movement Studio

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Meditation
2 - 2:30 p.m., Chapel

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Yoga
4 - 5 p.m., Bogue Movement Studio