Sydney Gastman
Degree: BLArch
Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2022
I’m From: Little Rock, AR
Why I Came to the UO and How I Chose My Major
I chose to come to UO because I wanted to be in an environment that was very Earth conscious. I wanted to learn how to be a steward of the Earth. I really enjoy being in the College of Design because it is a tight-knit environment where I can engage personally with my professors. It feels like an intimate learning experience.
As I explored the Landscape Architecture page on the University of Oregon website, I realized that it was the name for exactly what I wanted to do—design spaces that incorporate that ebb and flow of nature with human activity, creating more harmony in our human-dominated world. After being exposed to ideas about walkable cities, permaculture-based homes, and the possibilities of urban farming, my mind has been constantly reimagining ways to make neighborhoods, homes, and other institutions that I observe more aligned with nature and sustainable practices. There is so much potential to create more harmonious spaces with the land and materials that already exist as part of the human world–like reusing materials from old buildings to create parks or utilizing urban rooftop spaces to grow crops.
Unique Qualities I Bring to My Studies
I bring a strong passion for regenerative earth practices, particularly through urban agriculture. I want to heal the land and communities through food!
My Influential Professors
I have really enjoyed taking classes and engaging with the Urban Farm instructor, Harper Keeler. I have learned so much about growing food and building community from him. He creates a strong sense of community among his students, and it feels special.
My Extracurricular Activities
I am a part of Climate Justice League, an organization that does campaigns to combat environmental injustices. It is important for me to act on my values and engage with people with similar motivations.
My Greatest Learning Experience at UO
I have had so many great learning experiences! Most recently, taking classes online, particularly studio. I had a great professor that challenged us to learn, analyze, and design even through Zoom, which is drastically different than how most of us typically learn.
After Graduation
My dream is to design urban farms anywhere and everywhere! Particularly in places that don’t have much access to nature, parks, gardens and local food. I imagine using my design skills and knowledge about plants and the natural world to build the world I want to see.
Your Gift
Every bit of financial support helps so much and makes it easier for me to achieve my goals.
Thank you so much! I took a risk coming to Oregon for school, and it comes with a price. Every ounce of support makes it that much easier for me to achieve my dreams.