Ella Deegan

Describe a time when you have felt connected to nature:

I’ve always felt connected to the outdoors; I was fortunate enough to experience childhood on the shores of Lake Michigan, and my formative years were shaped by its waves. I was taught to respect the water and to approach it with wariness and reverence. The lake is a powerful being, and our community depends on it. In school, we discussed how to protect our little harbor, and we spent field trips walking along the icy, snow-covered beaches. Even the phrase “Be Lakeful!” was coined to remind ourselves of its importance. With that, Lake Michigan became a friend of sorts. Her mood swings allowed for some epic snow days and storm watching. And her sunsets always felt like a hug. So I suppose if you were to ask where my love for the environment began, it started with her. 

However, in my short lifetime, I’ve seen changes in the community that I call home. The Great Lakes are not immune to the climate crisis, and this realization set me off on my sustainability journey. As I enter this new chapter of life and education, I am taking my passion for these magnificent bodies of water and channeling it to push for more sustainable practices. “Being Lakeful” was a mindset that I was privileged to enjoy throughout my life, and now I see it as a call to action.

Ella Deegan

Hometown: Harbor Springs, MI

Major: Earth & Environmental Sciences

Minor: Water & the Environment

Fun Fact: I have been to all 5 Great Lakes!