Cody T.
“There are a lot of special things about Unity. One of my favorite aspects that has made my experience through Unity great is that even though I am in online classes with peers from all over the nation, I still feel a strong sense of unity (no pun intended) as we are all furthering our education to protect and preserve the natural resources we all enjoy.”
Protecting Wildlife and Chasing Dreams
The breathtaking skies above Alaska are amazing for birdwatching enthusiasts, however, those birds flying around the state’s largest city are often threatened by a man-made technology that shares the skies.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, collisions between wildlife and aircraft result in over $900 million of damage to civil and military aircraft annually. That’s where Cody Thompson comes in. Cody is a Unity – Distance Education master’s student studying Wildlife Conservation and Ecology. Currently a member of the Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) program at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in Anchorage, his role is key in keeping traveling passengers and local wildlife free from harm.
Before his time in Alaska, Cody received his bachelor’s degree in Wildlife, Fisheries & Range Management. That degree not only led him to relocate with his family from their home in Idaho to “The Last Frontier”, but also sparked his interest in continuing his education. “I absolutely love to learn about different species, as well as fish and hunt and this area of study allows me to be close to the wildlife that I love all while helping them and people,” says Cody.
His family, along with a desire to reach a long-term career goal keeps Cody motivated. “When life gets difficult, one of the things that inspires me to further my education is the goal I set of becoming a wildlife biologist.” Those dreams brought him to Unity Environmental University’s – Distance Education. The flexible and affordable programs at Unity were vital for Cody’s needs. His classes were able to continue even while he worked full-time and explored the wilds of Alaska with his wife and son.
Though Cody’s journey to becoming a wildlife biologist continues, his time spent at Unity has left him with a greater understanding of not only himself but his classmates and the world at large. “…one of my favorite aspects that has made my experience through Unity great is that even though I am in online classes with peers from all over the nation, I still feel a strong sense of unity (no pun intended) as we are all furthering our education to protect and preserve the natural resources we all enjoy.”
Does Cody’s story inspire you to pursue your dreams? Apply Now
