What’s Next for Anikka Bjornson?

Celebrating UMR’s our graduating class of 2024! Meet Anikka, a BSHS graduate planning to get involved in conservation and environmentalist initiatives. 

What are your post graduation plans? 

I’m looking forward to getting involved in local and regional conservation and environmentalist initiatives in Minnesota, and working towards collaborating with or working for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in connection to the University’s Institution on Environment and Minnesota Master Naturalist Extension program.

What was your favorite part of your years at UMR?

Getting to connect, understand and develop meaningful relationships with people at UMR has been one of my defining experiences. It’s helped me grow in ways I will carry with me well into my future. Additionally, the courses and experiences I’ve been a part of at UMR have changed my perspectives, broadened my horizons and opened a plethora of new doorways to different opportunities and fields that I can’t wait to explore! It’s been an amazing four years, and while I’ll miss it, I know that it left me well prepared for the adventure that lies ahead.

What are you most looking forward to post graduation?

I’m looking forward to being able to leverage the knowledge, experiences and unique skill set that I’ve spent four years developing in a real-world setting. I’m excited to see where my professional development carries me and I’m eager to use what I’ve gained at UMR to make me a force for change as I enter the workforce with a bachelor's degree.

What advice would you give incoming students?

Don’t be afraid to change your plans to suit you. Don’t change yourself to suit your plans or society’s recommended course. This is your life and you can change directions as many times as you need to make sure you’re happy and you can be the best version of yourself for you, the world and people that need you. When you’re asking yourself what matters most to you in planning your degree, make sure ‘myself’ is one of the criteria.