Class of 2022: Bethany Rippon

Bethany Rippon is an Environmental Studies major with a specialization in Biology from Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.

When I took my first step on the Hill, I was: An 18-year-old that had no idea what was next with a major in undecided.

The me who will ring the Old Main bell on Commencement Day is: A woman who has found herself through trials and triumphs through her four years on the Hill.

Real world experiences: I studied abroad in San Salvador, Bahamas, for Jan Term my senior year and I loved it. We got to be immersed in the culture and snorkel around reefs and other areas.

My aha moment: I learned that I am able to do things on my own and actually be successful. In high school, I was always nervous and felt that I needed someone else to walk me through tasks, but McDaniel has helped me grow to become a more independent person.

Footprints I’m leaving on the Hill: I want to leave behind the legacy of trying new scary things. I recently joined the track team as a senior for fun, and I am so glad I did it, and I think everyone should step outside their comfort zone and do something that they never would have pictured themselves doing.

Faculty or staff member who most influenced who I have become: Dr. Elly Engle really has helped me through the past few semesters, and I strongly believe she helped me become the independent person I am and helped me realize that there is more to life than tests and textbooks.

Best class ever: The best class I have taken at McDaniel is Society and Natural Resources because it was a different way of thinking, and I felt that it opened my eyes to understanding the world from many different perspectives.

Took me totally by surprise: The community within McDaniel College. Not just the students, but the faculty, staff, alumni, and even just local Westminster residents.

My favorite spot on campus: My favorite spot on campus is probably Harvey Stone Pavilion because my dad brought me there growing up, and I have made many memories there before and during college.

Most mind-boggling idea I learned at McDaniel: Learning about Tangier Island my freshman year of college. I had never heard of it before and was instantly drawn toward learning more and have since written several papers on it and continue to research it.

My capstone title: “Environmental Science Education within High Schools.”

What it’s about in plain talk: The best way to teach Environmental Science to high schoolers and find out if there are any struggles that teachers face in trying to teach their lessons.

Tell us a little about your activities, including sports, during your years at McDaniel: I originally came to play basketball at McDaniel but decided it was not the right fit for me, so I then went on a journey of trying new things to be involved with. After four years I finally feel like I found my niche within Yearbook, Green Life, Track & Field, and Jewish Student Union. I have built friendships through these things that I can only hope will last a lifetime.

What’s next: I am planning to travel for the next year, either to Europe or just on a cross-country trip during which I’ll stop at as many national parks as possible.

How will you stay connected to McDaniel? I plan to stay connected by visiting and keeping in touch with any of the current students.

Family legacy: My father went to Western Maryland College and graduated in 1992. He is the main reason I came to McDaniel, and I love when he comes on campus and we swap memories and stories as we walk around. I know a few alumni through my dad, and since coming here I have grown closer with them and been able to reach out for advice. I even got a job offer from an alum.