Casiddy Ratzan, 2021 - 2022 Pepper Scholar

Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm a fourth-year student at the University of Arizona studying environmental science, with an emphasis in soil, air, and water. I'm a native Tucsonan which means I have lived here, most of my life. It was interesting going from elementary school to middle school to high school only to stay here for college. However, I have the privilege to have such an awesome program in the area of study I love so much right in my hometown.

I recently was accepted as an intern for the Watershed Management Group, and I am very excited. My future position will be the Green Living Co-op Community Engagement Intern. I will be working with the Monsoon Squad team to help restore flow to Tucson’s springs, creeks, and rivers. Also, I will be starting conservation efforts in homes and low-income neighborhoods. We're going to be working with the Latinx community. We will be translating and providing resources so they can understand why water conservation and water harvesting are so important in Tucson. I can’t wait.

Why did you decide on the environmental science major?

I'm passionate about nature and the environment. Since I was a child, I’ve been exposed to nature, just because it was inexpensive for my parents to take us up to the mountain. I love going up to Mount Lemmon and camping and I love hiking. I just love sitting out and watching nature, I think it's beautiful. It was during these primary years of my adolescents that I realized how nature was being impacted and how important it was to protect it

In high school, I took an Earth and Space Science class, and I became aware of what was happening to our planet and I wanted to do something about it. I found out that the University of Arizona was offering that exact area of study, and it combined two of my favorite things, science, and the environment. I then found out that I could choose an emphasis, either leadership and sustainability or soil, air, and water. The branch of study I choose is where I want to be.

The first semester of my freshman year college, I had a meeting with a general advisor. She asked me, “What are you passionate about?” That’s when I realized this whole time that I had been thinking about what would make my family happy, but not what would make me happy. I love the environment and I love science; I’ve always clicked with it. I’ve always had the best grades in science classes, and I’ve always loved the teachers because I connected with them. I haven't regretted it since. It just made sense for me. Everything in my life collided together to put me in this direction, so I feel this is where I’m supposed to be.

What have been some of you biggest challenges, especially during the pandemic?

Keeping good mental health was the biggest challenge for sure. I suffer from both anxiety and depression. One of the main things I used as a coping mechanism, besides talking to my friends, and staying in touch, was going outside and gardening. I love gardening, it is one of my favorite hobbies

My mom and I spent hours outside just watching our plants grow and seeing the progress. Honestly, using gardening as a way to keep in touch with myself was so crucial because grounding helped remind me that everything is temporary, and that life will get better. Schools is hard and, like many people, I did not like switching to online classes, but it helped to know I was not alone and that everybody else was going through it too. It nice to remind myself that I’m not alone when I am in tough situations.

How does the Dr. Ian Pepper Scholarship help you reach your goals?

The Dr. Ian Pepper Scholarship will help me focus on my degree and finish strong. This is my last year and I’m nervous but also very excited for what the future holds for me. Not having to worry about money is so amazing. It's like the weight has been taken off my shoulders.

This scholarship is really going to benefit me and allow me to worry more about school and not have to worry about picking up more shifts. I couldn't be more grateful for this opportunity.

Words of advice?

These words of advice are what I would have given myself as a first-year student. I would say, “I know you're scared, and I know it’s going to be hard, but listen to your inner voice, your intuition. I know your parents are trying to support you and they want the best for you, but they don't know what is best for you internally. So, follow the goals you set for yourself. Don't give up and you don't have to be perfect. But set realistic standards for yourself you know you can accomplish”.