Autumn F.

Before starting at Unity, Autumn was searching for a path that truly fit the person she knew she was meant to become. Her first job as a server taught her discipline and grit, but it never aligned with her deeper purpose. Autumn felt drawn to something bigger, something rooted in service, nature, and meaningful impact.

When Autumn discovered Unity Distance Education, the model immediately resonated with her mission and her lifestyle. “For me, conservation is about local public service,” she shared. Unity gave her the opportunity to earn a respected degree while continuing hands-on field work in her home state of Tennessee. She volunteers at sites such as Frozen Head and Norris Lake and is able to build her professional network right in the places she hopes to serve. The flexibility was not simply convenient for her. It was essential, because it allowed her education to match the kind of work she values in the field.

She began her studies in Animal Health and Behavior, driven by her love for animals. Over time, she realized that her calling was not in a clinic. It was in managing habitats, wildlife populations, and public lands at a broader level. Changing her major to Wildlife Conservation felt like finding her true direction. The program opened the door to coursework in Natural Resource Law and Aquatic Science. These are subjects directly connected to the enforcement and management roles she hopes to pursue with Tennessee State Parks and eventually with federal agencies.

Autumn’s motivation is strong and deeply personal. She is not simply pursuing a degree. She is preparing for a career of service. She wants the credentials, the knowledge of natural resource law and policy, the FEMA training, and the aquatic science expertise that will allow her to protect Tennessee’s natural resources with confidence. Her volunteer work has shown her what is at stake. Her education is preparing her to take on the responsibility that comes with public trust.

Returning to school after time away gave Autumn clarity she did not have at eighteen. Working in a regulated environment taught her the importance of safety, policy, and professionalism. Now she approaches every course like professional training, not just homework. She knows exactly what she wants, and she is building toward it with intention.

Her goals are ambitious and purposeful. She plans to begin her career as a wildlife officer with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. From there, she hopes to continue growing in the field of resource enforcement. Unity’s Distance Education model supports these goals by allowing her to design her academic path with precision. She can earn certifications, develop technical skills, and gain real-world experience while completing her degree. Access to tools such as ArcGIS mapping software and coursework tailored to state employment requirements helps her become the candidate she aims to be.

Autumn is also actively preparing outside of her studies. She is completing FEMA Incident Command System training, working toward CPR and First Aid certification, and pursuing her Boating Safety certification. She is also engaging directly with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation through her Land Monitor orientation. She is not waiting for graduation to begin her career. She is building it now.

What Autumn values most about Unity is that her education reaches far beyond an online course list. Tennessee’s forests, lakes, and state parks have become her classroom. Unity meets her where she is, both personally and professionally, and supports her growth as she becomes the public servant she is determined to be.

Autumn is grateful to have a clear path that connects her love for the outdoors with a lifelong calling. She believes in protecting the lands that shaped her and in serving the people of Tennessee. Her story shows that you can choose a new direction at any moment. You can create a future that reflects your purpose and your values.

Take the first step toward your own path. Apply now and start shaping your future.