Arianne Maddow

maddowarianne@gmail.com
904-866-0281

Dear admissions, my name is Arianne Maddow and I am a student at the University of

South Florida studying Environmental Science and Policy with a minor in Geographic
Information Systems. After researching different environmentally related programs, I stumbled
upon the Sustainable Development Masters program at KU Leuven. For the past few years, after
discovering this program, it has become a goal to study there. Due to the unique experience and
international hub that this program and location can offer, I am very interested in this program.

Throughout the duration of my education, I have studied Environmental Science and

Policy at the University of South Florida and plan to graduate in December of 2023. Due to my
studies in this course, I believe that I am qualified for the challenges that this masters program
may present. While taking a multitude of different courses, sustainability was one topic that
stood out amongst others. The ecology track within this program particularly relates to my
interests in this field as it directly relates to the sustainability and conservation of biodiversity.
After living in Florida, one of the most diverse and growing states in the United States, this is a
topic that is very closely related to my studies and interests, especially understanding the changes
in biodiversity resulting from a changing environment.

There are numerous reasons why I am interested in this program, the international appeal,
the goals of the ecology track in the Sustainable Development Masters program, and the program
being taught fully in English. As a native English speaker, this program is very appealing as it
gives me the opportunity to continue my education in a new environment, while also giving me
the ability and time to possibly learn a new language and culture. Beyond the language
requirements, my education at the University of South Florida has given me the necessary
qualifications to succeed in this program. In particular, my education particularly aligns with the
Ecology track. I have taken a multitude of courses in Biology, Ecology, and Sustainability. These
courses primarily consist of Biology 1 and 2, the corresponding labs, Forest Ecology, Wetland
Ecology, Sustainable Healthy Environments, Chemistry 1 and the corresponding lab, and a
multitude of other courses. My interests include Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as well,
as I will be graduating with a minor in the topic. My skills with this software are particularly
useful and important as it is commonly used in environmental science, especially when tracking
levels of biodiversity and the changes within an ecosystem.

Overall, my education in Environmental Science and Policy and minor in geographic

information systems is one of the reasons I am interested and would like to be considered for a
spot in the Sustainable Development Masters program at KU Leuven. Among my education, my
fluency in English is particularly important for success in the program. Moving to a new location
is particularly important to me as I enjoy learning about new cultures, which would be made
possible by KU Leuven being centrally located in Europe and being a university that attracts due
to its international appeal and impressive academic merit.

Thank you for your consideration,

Arianne Maddow,
Maddowarianne@gmail.com
904-866-0281