Helena Valvur (USA)

PROGRAMME: Master’s in Environmental Governance and Adaptation to Climate Change (ENGO)
LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English, natuke eesti keelt.

Why did you choose to study this programme?

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One of the biggest challenges we’re facing in the world today is climate change. I’ve always been passionate about nature and the environment, and watching the United States (my home country) regress on climate action has been frustrating, to say the least. The ENGO program offers a chance to get involved in creating a positive change in the world through policy, science, and research. By exploring the history of climate action and the effects of global warming on different environments throughout the world, the programme is helping me and my classmates build the knowledge and background necessary to be the next generation of policy makers.

My passion for creating a better world, not only for myself, but for future generations as well, motivates me to do the work and study how to create effective, fair policies. Exploring climate change through scientific, political, social, and economic lenses, I get to see what is working and what isn’t. I hope to take this knowledge and turn it into a future that is equitable, sustainable, and beautiful for all.

Why Estonia?

My grandparents emigrated from Estonia to the United States in the 1930s. Though they had moved across the world, they never lost touch with their culture and helped raise me with Estonian traditions. Though I never learned Estonian, I have always been drawn to the culture and been interested in exploring my roots. When I decided to go to grad school, I knew I wanted to move abroad and experience something new. Estonia felt like the obvious choice. Though neither of my grandparents is around anymore, being in their home country and experiencing the culture for myself makes me feel more connected to them than ever before. I am excited to reconnect with my family’s cultural heritage and (finally) learn Estonian.