Professional Statement

         Hello, my name’s Colson Baggs. I am 21 years old, and I study at the University of Central Florida. My current major is interdisciplinary studies, and I am pursuing a minor in health sciences and environmental studies. Apart from my studies, I am heavily interested in photography. My ambition is to work towards a line of work within aviation and wildlife photography, one day hoping to become a commercial pilot, along with the hobby of photographing wildlife and landscapes.

        My educational and personal life have been shaped by a strong sense of curiosity regarding the world and a love for conservation. Perhaps one of the most pivotal experiences that I have undertaken thus far was participating in a UCF Service Learning Project in South Africa. As part of this project, I did anti-poaching, resource management, and animal tracking. The experience not only taught me how to work efficiently in difficult, outdoor environments but also offered valuable insight into the complex relationship between environmental science, ethics, and cultural responsibility.

        In the future, I plan to complete both my undergraduate degree and pilot training at the age of 26. My interdisciplinary education is helping me create a balanced worldview and critical and creative thinking in a variety of fields. Health Sciences has enhanced my exposure to safety and health, two fundamental aspects of aviation, while Environmental Studies has expanded my insight into ecological issues and cultural diversity. Photography connects these disciplines by allowing me to convey the need and aesthetics of nature in pictorial terms.

        In the years ahead, I envision myself traveling across the globe not only as a pilot but as a photographer using my abilities to spread awareness of the importance of taking care of our planet. With this combination of interests and skills, I hope to influence others to value, maintain, and explore our world.