A native of Long Beach, Calif., Amelia Seydel graduated from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as a double major in economics and environmental studies with a minor in peace and justice studies.
Seydel was nominated for this series by Associate Professor of Economics Jens Schubert. In this profile, Seydel shares her favorite UD experience, how she has changed during her time at UD and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Seydel: I’ve changed and grown in so many ways during my time at UD. In my first semester, I had no idea that four years later, I’d be graduating with an economics degree! I started freshman year majoring in environmental studies, and it wasn’t until my ECON101 class a year later that I discovered my love for economics. It has so many interesting real-world applications and is very relevant to environmental studies, especially in thinking about policy and regulation. I am grateful to have been able to explore two fields I find exciting; I’m leaving UD with the same passion for the environment that I started with, enhanced by a new perspective of economic reasoning.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Seydel: One challenge that I’ve faced during my college experience was overcoming perfectionism. I take pride in my ambition and how I strive to achieve excellence, but that drive became a fear of failure that limited me. Someone once said, “an inch of movement is better than a mile of intentions,” and I have come to embrace the truth of that sentiment. In UD terms, I try to remind myself that life isn’t a test, it’s a discovery learning experience! It is impossible to completely avoid making mistakes; they are part of the learning process.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Seydel: Going to UDance has been one of my favorite signature UD experiences because it’s always such a fun day! It’s so meaningful to see the UD community come together to support our B+ heroes and raise money to fight childhood cancer. I have also enjoyed cheering our Fighting Blue Hens on at football games!
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Seydel: I’ve had the opportunity to learn from so many amazing faculty members in Lerner. Dr. Jens Schubert has had a major impact on my UD experience (no pun intended!) in that my decision to add the economics major and join Lerner was largely due to his memorable teaching and influential outreach during ECON101. Additionally, Dr. Elizabeth Bayley has been an incredible advisor. I am so grateful for all her support and guidance during my undergraduate career.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Seydel: To me, being a Lifelong Lerner means that although my time in the classroom is done for now, my learning is never finished. I carry the same curiosity that’s led me through my formal education into all aspects of life. I truly believe that everyone has something to teach you, and there are so many things I want to learn.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming students to make the most out of their college experience?
Seydel: Try everything that excites you! Keep an open mind, work hard and be kind to everyone. You never know where life will take you, but a positive attitude will serve you well in all situations.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Seydel: After graduation, I will be embarking on a cross-country road trip with my parents to move back to my home state of California! I look forward to spending quality time with friends and family over the summer, while searching for a job that connects my skills in data analysis with my passion for conservation.