Humboldt State University

I found that as I applied for wildlife positions I was always on the top of the application piles because of my wildlife degree and experience.

I am currently finishing my Masters in Natural Resources and applying to PhD programs and I work for a Natural Resource Agency as a Wildlife Biologist.

The area is gorgeous-if you love to be outdoors (forest, oceans, mountains)-then you will love the setting of the university. There is not much of a city life-but I liked the slower pace of Arcata.

However, there are potheads everywhere-it is an unfortunate fact. If you go there, you will have to just get used it. I must confess that I did vote for legalizing Marijuana a few years back-but after attending Humboldt I do not think I would vote for that law again.

There was also a major lack of diversity on the campus. Any one of color will stand out. Unfortunately, I did have some negative experiences in this regard. It took me 2 years of getting used to being one of the few people of color on the campus. It was at times very difficult to live in Humboldt County. I often thought about leaving because of this. However, I really loved the Wildlife Dept! Once I started to get involved with the ethnic and diversity programs/centers, it made the Humboldt transition easier.

I still go up to Arcata, visit friends, and find myself thinking fondly of the last 3 years of my time at Humboldt State.

If you want to go into Wildlife, Natural Resource or a Science discipline, I would really recommend this school. If you come from a minority background, I would suggest getting involved with different groups to help you with the transition to Humboldt State.