Rachel Briggs

Honolulu, Hawaii

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What has been your favorite class at COA? Why?
My favorite class has been Introduction to the Legal Process. It was exciting to delve into the details of our legal system and begin to figure out how I can use it to create change.

What classes have you taken at COA?
Human Ecology Core Course
Practical Skills in Community Development
Introduction to Guitar
Advanced Composition
Introduction to the Legal Process
Curiosity and Wonder
3D Studio
Economic Development
Poetry and the American Environment

What was your favorite lesson at COA? Why?
In my Human Ecology Core Course we took a field trip to Fryeburg, ME. We had been studying controversies surrounding bottled water, and Fryeburg is the site of a battle for the area’s abundant supply. While there we toured a Nestle bottling plant, talked to concerned townspeople, and went canoeing on the Saco River, a part of the local watershed. In this way we were able to gain an understanding of many aspects of the issue from the people and landscape involved.

What is your dream occupation?
Write policy for an environmental NGO? Environmental lawyer? I’m still trying to figure it out.

Do you work on or off campus? If yes, where?
I work on campus, in the Admissions office as an assistant and a tour guide. I also do some work for the writing center. This year I’m a Resident Advisor.

What do you see yourself doing after COA?
I would like to spend some time traveling around the world—exploring, meeting people, perhaps interning at various environmental activism organizations. Then maybe the west coast, to pursue work in environmental policy or law...

What country or state would you like to visit?
I would love to visit Bhutan—I want to see what a country that measures Gross National Happiness is like.

What is happiness to you?
For me, happiness is the ability to improve the world—on a personal, community, societal or global level.

What are your plans, if any, for your internship?
I am beginning to consider options, but don’t have a clear idea of what I would like to do yet.

What are your ideas for your senior project?
I have nothing I can articulate yet. :)

What is one of your favorite childhood memories?
For my fourth birthday my mom buried a “treasure chest” at the beach. My friends and I dug and searched for what seemed like hours, until we finally found it. Inside were art supplies and other fun stuff...I can’t really remember what specifically was inside, just that it felt magical to have found it, buried in a treasure chest at the beach.

What is your favorite food to eat? What is your favorite thing to cook?
To eat: evil jungle prince! (a red basil curry) To cook (and also eat): hash browns!

What do you like to do when you’re not doing school work?
I love listening to and making music, I also enjoy reading, hiking, going to the beach and playing scrabble. Mostly, though, I love taking the opportunity to hang out with friends.

What is your favorite color?
My favorite color is green. I love it. I also really enjoy brown, orange, yellow, midnight blue and eggplant purple.

What are your favorite flowers?
Sunflowers! And dandelions.

What is your favorite animal?
Giraffe?

What came first, the chicken or the egg?
The egg. Two birds could have bred and laid the egg that hatched the chicken, but I doubt a chicken just spontaneously popped into being. Definitely the egg. :)

What is the motto you like to live by?
I have two: “Life’s a garden. Dig it.” and the classic... “Be the change you wish to see in the world” -Mahatma Gandhi

Why did you choose to come to COA?
I chose to come to COA because I wanted to come to a school full of passionate people where I could learn to integrate and apply ideas. I wanted a small community and I wanted an adventure. COA has been all of those things.

What do you like to study?
I really enjoy studying history, policy, and law. I also enjoy literature and fine arts.

Who are your favorite writers? Poets?
I absolutely adore Terry Pratchett, his writing is so fun, playful, and provocative. Favorite poets include John Donne, Elizabeth Bishop, and Mary Oliver.

Who are your favorite artists? Musicians?
One of my favorite artists is Camille Pissaro, the father of impressionism. My favorite musicians tend to shift, but Mason Jennings and the Indigo Girls are some of my all time favorites.

Who is your favorite fictional hero?
Aragorn, from Lord of the Rings

What historical figure do you most admire?
It really is a tie between Gandhi and Alice Paul...

Who is your hero today?
I can’t choose just one!!!

What do you value most in your friends?
Passion

What do people say is your most marked characteristic?
Grounded, joyful good, facilitator

What talent do you wish you had?
I have always wished I could fly. But, I suppose that is more of a supernatural skill than a talent...I suppose dance, then, because I think if I could dance really well I might feel as free and graceful as I imagine I would if I could fly.

What is your least favorite spice?
I cannot think of a single spice I don’t like—I love intense flavors, the stronger the better.