Protect the Planet With Kayla Stoll, SNHU Student and TEDx Speaker

Current Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) student Kayla Stoll could be called a natural learner in more ways than one.

“If I could describe myself in one word, I think I'd probably be curious because I've always loved learning new things,” she said. “I have always been the type to want to research everything that I possibly can.”

Her curiosity — along with a love for nature — led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from SNHU.

"The planet is so fragile and so amazing," she said. That's why she wants to educate the public on how to protect it.

Earlier this year, Stoll gave a TEDx talk on environmental education through TEDxSNHU, and she’s since continued her work advocating for the environment while earning her degree online.

Roots of Passion

Growing up around New Hampshire’s forests, farms, mountains and beaches inspired Stoll's early appreciation for the environment. She called her home a sweet spot that’s allowed her to explore many ecosystems and enjoy different activities.

"I love anything outdoors. I love snowboarding, I love hiking, I love rock climbing,” she said. "It’s just so nice to be so close to everything that you could possibly want to be at your fingertips for the outside world."

Stoll’s first job was at Joppa Hill Educational Farm in her hometown of Bedford, New Hampshire. The experience further informed her passion for the environment.

"That was what originally got me really connected with Mother Nature," she said. "Getting to work outside in this ecosystem and learning how small of a piece farmers play in this entire role of growing food."

Along with environmental education, Stoll noted that she’s currently most interested in ecology and biology. "I absolutely love digging into the science, digging into what makes this world so biologically incredible," she said. "And also having to deal with agriculture is one of my favorite parts."

Read More: What is Environmental Science?

A Place to Bloom

Stoll initially connected with a few different universities before deciding where she wanted to earn her degree.

"I was invited by other schools to attend their programs. I got some different things in the mail," she said. “And when I called them up, nobody was as friendly and as open and as welcoming as the people at SNHU were.”

Although she doesn’t live far from SNHU’s campus, she opted for an online college experience because of the freedom that virtual learning offered.

"Especially if you're like me and you want to be outdoors, you can do it outdoors," she said. "You can do it while you're traveling."

The flexibility of an online degree also lets her do more in her field outside of classes.

And she said studying online hasn't held her back in terms of getting hands-on learning in her science program. "I actually get labs sent to me in the mail," she said. "The online program at SNHU, it’s such an immersive experience."

And since she first enrolled, Stoll's passion and message have already propelled her to new places.

On Stage for the Environment

Stoll was surprised when she first learned she had been nominated to speak at a TEDxSNHU event, but she embraced the opportunity.

"Never in a million years did I think that I was going to be on that stage," Stoll said. "I haven’t stopped smiling about it."

Her talk discussed humanity's impact on the environment and how societal awareness is one of the largest hurdles to overcome in order to protect the Earth.

"Environmental education should be a mandatory class in schools, because we all call this planet home," she said. "Teaching children environmental education offers us our greatest possibilities."

Reflecting on the experience later, Stoll called it a pivotal moment in her life thus far. "I have to say, ever since that point, it changed my life," she said. "It was an amazing platform to help convey this message of environmental protection."

Since then, she's continued her pursuits in the field. "I have been working more on my environmental ventures, I have been trying to write some articles," she said.

She also created a YouTube channel to raise awareness. "My channel is called Earthling Impact, and it is basically a channel to make people more conscious of their everyday actions," said Stoll.

All of this is just the beginning for Stoll as she continues earning her degree and ensuring that her impact on the environment is a positive one.

"I hope to just pursue whatever I possibly can, whether that be environmental policy, getting involved in just some more public speaking or writing articles," she said. "Whatever I can to better our planet and make sure it's protected for future generations."

Mars Girolimon '21 '23G is a staff writer at Southern New Hampshire University where they earned their bachelor's and master's, both in English and creative writing. In addition to their work in higher education, Girolimon's short fiction is published in the North American Review, So It Goes by The Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, X-R-A-Y and more. Connect with them on LinkedIn.