Our Students and Alumni Pursue Incredible Journeys
All of our students have a unique story to tell. Many start out at Garrett College with plans to transfer to a four-year college or university. A large percentage of our students are the first in their family to attend college. Others seek to advance their career by learning a new skill.
These stories represent journeys of overcoming personal challenges, defining and achieving success, and discovering true passions.
Our Students
Major: Adventure Sports Management
Hometown: York, PA
Question:
Why did you choose Garrett College?
Answer: I found Garrett College through researching the parks and recreation program at Frostburg. Garrett turned out to be just what I was looking for; an inexpensive school with a very hands-on outdoor program.
Answer: I found Garrett College through researching the parks and recreation program at Frostburg. Garrett turned out to be just what I was looking for; an inexpensive school with a very hands-on outdoor program.
Question:
What made you decide to enroll in the Adventure Sports Management program?
Answer: I have always loved the outdoors and after seeing the photos and description of the program, I knew I had to sign up.
Answer: I have always loved the outdoors and after seeing the photos and description of the program, I knew I had to sign up.
Question:
How is your semester going so far?
Answer: My semester has been going great so far. I started it off by getting my Wilderness First Responder certification and then started the cross country skiing sequence. By the end of the skiing classes, I earned my PSIA Level 1 certification, which means I’m a certified ski instructor.
Answer: My semester has been going great so far. I started it off by getting my Wilderness First Responder certification and then started the cross country skiing sequence. By the end of the skiing classes, I earned my PSIA Level 1 certification, which means I’m a certified ski instructor.
Question:
COVID-19 has changed our lives dramatically. How have you adapted to the current environment?
Answer: I have been doing my best to adapt to the new way of life presented by COVID. When I’m not in classes, I enjoy going on hikes around the area. Since I’m not able to be with friends as much now, getting outside is a great way for me to stay busy.
Answer: I have been doing my best to adapt to the new way of life presented by COVID. When I’m not in classes, I enjoy going on hikes around the area. Since I’m not able to be with friends as much now, getting outside is a great way for me to stay busy.
Question:
What do you enjoy most about being a student in the adventure sports management program?
Answer: My favorite part of being in ASI is spending time with classmates and instructors out in the field. I also really enjoy the styles of teaching that the instructors use. It is all very hands-on and experiential and that is exactly how I learn best.
Answer: My favorite part of being in ASI is spending time with classmates and instructors out in the field. I also really enjoy the styles of teaching that the instructors use. It is all very hands-on and experiential and that is exactly how I learn best.
Question:
Hands-on learning and field activities are a big part of the Adventure Sports program, and something that sets the program apart from others. Describe how this has benefited you and your experience with the hands-on learning components and activities you’ve done so far.
Answer: In high school where the learning environment was very traditional, I never really found myself getting interested in much that they were teaching me which resulted in me not applying myself to my full potential. With the hands-on nature of the classes here at Garrett, I find that I can really get absorbed into my classes and excel in them. Many of these classes seem like they might not have much educational value but ever since starting classes here, I have gained valuable interpersonal skills and feel like a much more well-rounded person.
Answer: In high school where the learning environment was very traditional, I never really found myself getting interested in much that they were teaching me which resulted in me not applying myself to my full potential. With the hands-on nature of the classes here at Garrett, I find that I can really get absorbed into my classes and excel in them. Many of these classes seem like they might not have much educational value but ever since starting classes here, I have gained valuable interpersonal skills and feel like a much more well-rounded person.
Question:
How has attending GC worked to your advantage?
Answer: The price of GC is a big advantage for me. It is one of the cheapest schools I looked at and I still feel like I’m getting a very quality education.
Answer: The price of GC is a big advantage for me. It is one of the cheapest schools I looked at and I still feel like I’m getting a very quality education.
Question:
What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?
Answer: One of my biggest challenges was learning how to roll a kayak back up after it flips. Getting down the technique for this was very challenging but once I figured it out, I had a huge sense of accomplishment.
Answer: One of my biggest challenges was learning how to roll a kayak back up after it flips. Getting down the technique for this was very challenging but once I figured it out, I had a huge sense of accomplishment.
Question:
How have Garrett College support services, faculty or staff supported you?
Answer: Along with receiving financial aid from the school, the ASI staff have helped me overcome every obstacle I face while learning a new skill like kayaking or skiing.
Answer: Along with receiving financial aid from the school, the ASI staff have helped me overcome every obstacle I face while learning a new skill like kayaking or skiing.
Question:
What advice do you have for a new GC student or someone on the fence about attending college?
Answer: If someone is on the fence about college, I would advise taking a gap year. This is what I did and it was very helpful. A nice long break after high school was very helpful because it gave me time to really consider what I want to do with my life. I never really found that out and don’t know if I ever will but I don’t think anyone should be rushing into college if they aren’t feeling confident about their decision.
Answer: If someone is on the fence about college, I would advise taking a gap year. This is what I did and it was very helpful. A nice long break after high school was very helpful because it gave me time to really consider what I want to do with my life. I never really found that out and don’t know if I ever will but I don’t think anyone should be rushing into college if they aren’t feeling confident about their decision.
Question:
How has the Adventure Sports Management program prepared you for what you plan to do next? What are those plans?
Answer: The certifications that I have been able to get through this program are a huge help when it comes to finding a job after college. The outdoor industry is very competitive and having certifications like WFR and PSIA make me a top pick when applying for outdoor jobs.
Answer: The certifications that I have been able to get through this program are a huge help when it comes to finding a job after college. The outdoor industry is very competitive and having certifications like WFR and PSIA make me a top pick when applying for outdoor jobs.
