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I was drawn to 51����-C’s small size and, originally, the Tourism, Recreation, and Adventure Leadership (TRAL) program but I ended up majoring in Liberal Studies—focused on writing and communication—and minored in TRAL.

The small class sizes and, through that, getting to know the professors a lot better and developing relationships with them that helped me succeed as a student in ways you can’t manage when you have big class sizes. I also had several professors for multiple classes, which really allowed me to build those relationships.

It actually really changed the way I thought about what I wanted to do after graduation. I thought I wanted to work in guiding or as a ranger, but I ended up working for the Career Development Center while I was a student, and I ended up loving it. I currently work in career development with teenagers and young adults, which is because of my time at 51����-Cascades.

My work varies a lot as I wear a lot of different hats in my role. I work with teenagers and young adults in career development at a non-profit, Heart of Oregon Corps. My days vary from small workshops working with students on their resumes, to leading events such as mock interviews, to facilitating our employer advisory council. The most meaningful part of my work is when I get to see the students succeed or get excited about career or college opportunities.

It’s been incredibly helpful. A lot of what I do in my job centers around writing and communication, which were the two fields I focused on. They helped me grow as a communicator and have set me up for success whether I’m presenting to a council of employers or teaching about resumes.

That it’s ok to be unsure. Take some time to get in touch with “you”: really think about what you want from life and what fulfills you and use those things to help guide your next steps.