Spring '21 Valedictorian, Maggie Topalian 

     Ever since Margaret Topalian was a young girl, she knew she wanted to study animals and live near the mountains. After attending a liberal arts school in her hometown of Ohio for a year and a half, Maggie began searching for universities with Zoology programs. In her search, she found Weber State University. The moment Maggie stepped on campus, she knew this is where she wanted to be. She transferred to Weber and began taking courses in the Fall of 2018 to study a major in Zoology and a minor in Neuroscience. 

     Maggie has continued to focus on her educational path since becoming a Weber student. She has participated in the Zoology Club, Wildlife Society, environmental ambassadors, and the sustainability clubs on campus. Her studies and participation at Weber have cemented that this is what she wants to do in her future career. Maggie has also been selected as the outstanding graduate student for Zoology and College of Science co-valedictorian for the Spring 2021 Commencement. 

     Luckily, Maggie has been fortunate and did not encounter many struggles during her educational journey, but like many others, the pandemic did bring about changes in her educational pursuits. The number of times students were out in the field was limited, especially as classes transitioned to an online format in Spring of 2020. While most classes were either taught in a hybrid or online format, Maggie was able to do some in-person fieldwork in the Ornithology lab, which she was very grateful for. 

     Her family has played a critical role in her education. She mentioned that her parents have been there for her every step of the way, whether that has been with financial or emotional support. She is thankful every day for their help and support. Maggie also thanked all of her professors throughout her college career, especially her upper-division Zoology professors, Dr. Marshall, Dr. Cavitt, and Dr. Skpoec. 

                    

     After graduation, Maggie will be interning for a Wildlife Sanctuary through the Kerulos Center, where she will continue her work with transspecies psychology. Maggie’s ultimate goal is to utilize psychology and trauma-informed care to help rescued animals physically and mentally. She does not know where her internship will take her, but Maggie will greatly miss the mountains, the area, and the atmosphere of Weber State.

     "Follow your passions, even if that may not be the thing that will bring in all the money or status,” Maggie said when asked for advice for other students, “The world needs more people pursuing what they are truly passionate about and love, which will bring positive change in the world, rather than focusing solely on economic pursuits.” 

     Maggie believes that she has been set on her path for a while, and her time at Weber State has just reinforced this path. She has been inspired by other students pursuing this degree and congratulates them for all of their hard work and success. 

 

Congratulations College of Science Spring '21 Graduates!
-Maggie, zoology major and valedictorian