For Jamir Wesley ’25, Gettysburg College has always felt like home. Encouraged by his high school English teacher, Ellen Speake ’11, he applied and quickly found himself immersed in a place where he could explore his passions and grow as a leader.
As an environmental studies major, Wesley is deeply invested in understanding how people are shaped by the environment. “Growing up in Philadelphia, I would look at cities like New York and see tree-lined streets and wonder why we didn’t have them,” he reflected. His curiosity first led him to an interest in architecture, but after taking the Introduction to Environmental Science and Society course with Prof. Monica Ogra, he realized the field’s vast impact. “The environment affects people in ways I hadn’t thought. Learning about it here changed my focus.”
Wesley credits his Gettysburg professors with inspiring his commitment to mentorship and community involvement. “After being taught by such great people here, I feel that I owe it to others to pass that along and share my knowledge.”
Each week, Wesley volunteers at Vida Charter School. “The students are so interested in what I do, and I love getting to teach them,” he shared. “One time, we did an outdoor scavenger hunt, and I answered their questions about things like why there weren’t any bees or butterflies out yet. Being a big brother like that is so important to me.”
Wesley’s impact as a leader is also apparent on campus. He is an integral part of the Gettysburg athletics community as a football team manager and an athletics equipment manager. “All of my favorite memories come from athletics,” he explained. “It feels great to be able to work with my peers and our staff.”
After graduation, Wesley will spend five months in the Adirondack Mountains as a park ranger with the Student Conservation Association. His long-term goal is to work for the National Park Service or Forest Service.
Wesley hopes to continue inspiring people in everything he does. “Trust the process,” he says when encouraging others. “Stay disciplined and focused on what you want to accomplish. And most importantly—shoot your shot.”
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By Brooke Askin ’25
Photos by Ashley Carbonier ’25
Posted: 04/28/25