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Why We're Vegetarians

Danielle Duchene, Class of 2008: Vegetarian since 2001
"Other than for the overtly obvious farm animal rights, I became a vegetarian because it affects so many negative aspects in our lives. The environment (or the abuse of it), native wildlife, and even my own health and well-being contributed to my decision. Once I realized it wasn’t about a bunch of freaks who like chickens, and that supporting the meat industry is about supporting a violent enterprise (puppies suffer too!), I was out. I chose a peaceful life, one that is all about LIFE."

Esther Hicks, Class of 2006: Vegetarian since 1999
"I became a vegetarian first just to see if I could stick with it, and once I realized how easy and fun it was, it became a real passion. I love it because it's so much healthier than a meat-based diet, it's better for the environment, it's far less cruel to animals, it's more interesting, it's much cleaner in cooking (hel-LO animal fat!), and it has opened many doors for me in activism."

Melissa Johansen, Class of 2009: Vegetarian since 2003
"I started out by being a vegetarian for a month just to see if I could do it and to prove to my friends and family that it is possible to survive without meat. I liked being a vegetarian so I continue to be one. Being a vegetarian is much healthier and is kinder to animals."

Christopher Kassl, Class of 2009: Partial Vegetarian since 2004
"I became a (partial) vegetarian about a year and a half ago (mid 2004) mostly for health reasons. I actually have a slightly higher cholesterol count than most people and I was encouraged to quit beef and pork. I never eat pork and I can't really remember the last time I had beef. Did you know that a pig doesn't have sweat glands? I didn't know that. So whatever was in that pig when it was killed, you will take it in when you eat it. That sort of turned me off to pork. I still eat fish and (occasionally) chicken.

Sarah Konfirst, Class of 2007: Vegetarian since 1997
"I became a vegetarian in 6th grade at the age of 12, which means I have been a vegetarian for 9 years. I went veggie because I just can't bear the thought of eating another living creature. I have always loved and respected animals, and the more I thought about it, the more repulsive the idea of eating them seemed. For similar reasons, I am also an advocate of animal rights."

Kristin Maki, Class of 2008: Vegetarian since 2004
"I started thinking seriously about vegetarianism when I read Ovid's Metamorphoses. The thesis of Book XV is that humans have long passed the point where they need to kill and consume animals for sustenance...and that was written two thousand years ago. The character Pythagoras claims to be the first vegetarian (in the sense of one who consciously abstains from eating animals in a society where most people do eat them) and his discourse ends with this:

But as you eat your joints of lamb and beef,
Remember that I've warned you of your pleasures,
Know that your feast was of good friends and neighbors."

Sondra Seilstad, Class of 2009: Vegetarian since 2003
"I grew up on a farm in the middle of Montana and one day in sixth grade I decided to be tough and go out with my father to butcher a cow, and, well, let's just say the reality of where my meat came from became a little bit too real for me, so I stopped eating beef and pork. When I got to high school I met my best friend and long time vegetarian who challenged/urged me to try the completely vegetarian way; and 3 years later (despite some failings where I 'took time off' to give meat a try again) I'd say it's still working."

Kim Vivian, Professor of German: Vegetarian since 1975
"Growing up, I never did like eating the slabs of steak that my Texas-bred family liked to barbeque. Maybe it was from having to witness the slaughter of animals on my grandparents’ farm or the gutting of deer hung up in the farmyard. When I was in college in California in the 70s vegetarianism was a rapidly growing movement, and with a vegetarian co-op at hand it was easy to learn how to go meatless. I do not believe that a modern culture like ours needs to eat meat any longer. I also believe that vegetarianism is the only way that we will be able to feed an ever-expanding population. Much more food can be grown per acre, at a cheaper price, and more fuel-efficiently—in addition to being better for you--than can be produced from beef, pork, and poultry on comparable acreage."

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Last Updated 30 January 2006