Name: Brie A. Xavier
Programs completed at APU: BS in Environmental Science July 2012, MBA April 2017
Project Title: N/A
Hometown: Fall River, MA
Best Classes at APU:
Undergraduate classes for Environmental Science: Climate Change and any class with Roman Dial or Carl Tobi. They are so experienced and awe inspiring. They have done so much and have such a wealth of knowledge. One of my first classes with Tobin was intro to Botany/Zoology. There as a field trip to the Botanical Gardens, where I now work, which ironically I missed attending. As a result of that field trip, however, we did plant dissection which furthered my interest in plants. We also went to Kachemak Bay. It was one of my first trips in Alaska and we learned so much about the different marine animals and vegetation. I can’t wait to go back there.
MBA Program: Effective Communication, Human Resource Management, Marketing and Social Media, Working with Boards of Directors and various Non-Profit Classes. I liked that those classes were the ones I could most directly relate to my work at the Alaska Botanical Garden. I could pull concepts from those classes and apply them immediately to work.
What is your favorite APU memory?
In the MBA program, Leadership Team Building – In leadership we lucked out – our group really meshed well; we are still friends and stay in contact. It is a strong group of friends and a really good professional network. We support each other, even now that the class is over.
Activities Undergraduate – meeting my fiancé and some of my best friends! I need to thank Residence Life Staff, especially Ben, Liz and Sonia, for putting me together with people who are still my friends today.
What is going to be your next adventure post-APU? Not sure yet, I think my role at the Alaska Botanical Garden might be shifting some, but stop by and say hi!
Any words of wisdom for students working on completing their degrees? Be open to new experiences and be vulnerable and your authentic self. These classes are a great safe space to challenge yourself and others and help define who you are as a leader. You can do it!
