The University of Minnesota is home to nearly 50,000 students majoring in over 50 different fields of study. The campus currently has over 1,000 student organizations, 25 sports clubs, and almost any intramural activity you can think of. There are countless amounts of volunteer opportunities on and off campus, and a variety of unique workplaces and internships. So, how does one stick out in the sea of people?

I was able to meet one special student, Claire O'Brien, to learn about what makes her a unique student and the activities she is involved in around campus. As an Ecology, Evolution and Behavior student (EEB), Claire has been involved on and off campus with the Marine Biology Club, teaching and working for Midwest School of Diving, and volunteering at the Raptor Center.

Her involvement with our campus community deserves recognition, and I am honored to be a part of the Gopher community where students, like Claire, aid in the success and unification of our campus.

Meet Claire

Karina Puent: What makes you a unique student?

Claire O'Brien: At school, I am an Ecology, Evolution and Behavior major, and I was told that out of the entire college within the university, there are only 70 students that are studying that major. I am also an officer for the Marine Biology Club and was scuba certified last spring semester at Square Lake, which is near White Bear Lake. I got my advanced open diving certificate in September which allows me to dive to deeper depths (100-120 ft).

KP: What is your advice to students who might be interested in pursuing the Marine Biology Club or scuba diving?

CO: I know everyone says this, but my advice would be to get involved. Don't feel pushy! Just go and ask around to show your interest, people appreciate that. The Marine Biology Club meets once a month regularly but also plans trips. Like right now, we are planning a trip to Duluth to go to the aquarium. We also want to do a river boat tour. The club also helps out with river clean-up, last time we did it we collected 13 pounds of trash.

KP: What is your day to day life like? When do you typically get up in the morning? Do you prioritize work? School?

CO: Over the summer when I worked at the scuba shop I would wake up at 6 a.m., so it isn't hard to wake up early for me. I usually start my days off by working as a barista at my 5:30 a.m. shifts. I still help Mark teach, a scuba instructor at Midwest, and I spend a lot of time organizing that. I prioritize work more than school just because my work is more interesting to me.

KP: What is something you never go a day without?

CO: I have a cup of coffee every morning. Both my roommate and I have a Keurig, so I put mine on my bedside table because it doesn't make sense to store two in the kitchen. I prepare it the night before, therefore, when I wake up in the morning I can just turn it on and drink my coffee in bed.

KP: At the end of the day, what do you hope to have accomplished?

CO: I guess going to bed satisfied with my day, knowing that I did something. We all have those days where we just watch Netflix and go to sleep, but I hate wasting my days.

KP: Would you recommend the Marine Biology Club and scuba diving to anyone else?

CO: I recommend it to everyone and anyone, especially in Minnesota. I know it's not near any oceans, but there is a lot to learn about the surrounding lakes and aquatic life.

KP: What other interests or hobbies do you have that people might not expect if they know you?

CO: I have always loved animals. In high school, I was voted "Most Uniquely Talented" for taming chipmunks in my yard. I'd start by throwing them food and sitting with them until they realized that I was friendly (not there to eat them.) Some were way more social than others, I even got to meet a chipmunk baby.

Fast Facts

Hometown: Saint Cloud, MN

Year in School: Sophomore

Major: Ecology, Evolution and Behavior

Favorite Subject: Marine Biology

Favorite Fast Food Place: Dairy Queen, I worked there for four years so it's a forced love.

Favorite Music Genre: Country

Is there something that makes you or a friend a unique student whether it be a major, involvement with a club, etc.? Nominate someone to be the next day in the life student here!