'Embracing New Experiences'
Ohio Wesleyan Student Discovers a Different Side of the World in New Zealand
Name: Kahlil Mitchell-Smith '25
Hometown: Salem, Massachusetts
High School: Pioneer Charter School Science II
Majors: Environmental Studies and Philosophy
OWU Connection Experience: Spending a semester abroad at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand
While abroad, Mitchell-Smith conquered mountains, experienced New Zealand's National Museum, and considered the impact of culture on understandings of ecological preservation and the mitigation of climate change.
The Impact of Place
"I have always wanted to visit New Zealand as it has wildlife and landscapes that are impossible to fathom without looking at them with my own eyes. … It is a climate that treats ecological preservation and climate change mitigation more seriously, which was quite refreshing."
I genuinely feel that having this experience has changed me as a person.
"I genuinely feel that having this experience has changed me as a person. … I would emphasize how this experience taught me the importance of going out there and doing what you want to do no matter how crazy it may seem. I am on a small island, 24 hours away from home where I am living in an independent flat with no meal plans. My vacation to Wellington was entirely alone, and I absolutely loved it. This entire trip was going out of my comfort zone, embracing new experiences, and pushing myself both physically and intellectually. I find all of these elements to be derived from skills acquired through my past three years at OWU."
My Favorite Moments
"My mid-semester break in Wellington stands out as my favorite part of this experience. … It allowed me the opportunity to independently experience so much in the country's capital. In one week I toured Zealandia, hiked Mt. Victoria, saw Hobbit Hideaway, visited the National Library to see the country's founding documents, toured parliament, took a historic cable car, saw the Te Papa Museum, and much much more. I could write a paper about all of the amazing things I managed to cram into this break!"
Rooted in Ecology
"I am particularly interested in applying the work from my invasive species ecology course, which involves creating a 3,500-word pest management plan for a species of our choice. I want to specifically compare New Zealand's invasive species management programs to those in the United States and explore the differences in the philosophies taken by Kiwis vs. Americans. (Kiwis are much more willing to kill invasive species while Americans are extraordinarily hesitant to kill certain invasives."
My Involvement Outside the Classroom
"I am a member of Tree House, a part of the Food Recovery Network Leadership Team, Writing Center Tutor, and I am going to be an ENVS (Environment and Sustainability) Department chair co-lead when I return in the spring."
Why Ohio Wesleyan?
"My father (Leon Smith '95) is an alumnus, and he felt that Ohio Wesleyan would be the perfect fit for me.
"I came in with the idea that I wanted to be a pre-veterinary major; however, it was interacting with Dr. (John) Krygier and taking my first Philosophy class with Dr. (Evan) Woods after reading Hume in my off time that really made me want to pursue the majors that I have today." (Krygier, Ph.D., is a professor of Environment and Sustainability and Woods, Ph.D., is a part-time instructor of Philosophy and Religion.)
My Plans After Graduation
"If I'm being honest, my path forward is very open. I am certainly going to go to grad school for metaphysics and philosophy but have also found some intriguing positions available for jobs outside of college, so I'm still in the process of evaluating what definitive step I should take."