While many people tend to be more inclined to stay inside and focus on their electronic devices than to go outside, there are students on campus, like junior Colleen Ruzich, who still see the value of exploring the great big world instead of the World Wide Web.
Ruzich is a health and fitness management major who hopes to one day become a park ranger.
Ruzich returned from her internship in pursuit of this dream the day before classes started on Aug 21.
She spent the entire summer in Eastern Nevada at Great Basin National Park acting as a cave guide. A cave guide is someone who assists groups or individuals on excursions through caves, explaining what things are along the way and offering tips and tricks in order to maximize the experience.
Ruzich also discovered a new love while in Nevada–rock climbing–which she still enjoys here in Ohio.
“Some friends taught me while I was there,” Ruzich said.
Ruzich currently works at REI, a retail company that specializes in selling outdoor gear for things like camping and climbing. She also works in the training center at AdaptiveAdventures, an organization that has adapted a rock climbing wall that people with all different kinds of disabilities can use. Ruzich primarily works with the children at AdaptiveAdventures.
Ruzich said that constantly being involved with nature and the outdoors helped her to solidify her decision to pursue a career that would allow her to explore nature and conquer new heights.
“My father was in the military [and] physically fit,” Ruzich said.
While having an outdoors-man as a mentor her entire life, Ruzich’s real passion for the outdoors didn’t develop until she came to Capital. She participates in CrossFit and also enjoys horseback riding and dancing. In order to be able to keep up with her intended line of work, maintaining a fit physique is essential.
In accordance with maintaining good physical shape, Ruzich also participated in a 40-mile backpacking adventure during her internship in Nevada.
While becoming a Park Ranger is the primary career choice for Ruzich, she does have a few other areas of interest.
“[I would be] an adventure guide,” Ruzich said. “There’s an organization called NOCS [that offers] worldwide classes.”
Being an adventure guide for a company like this would give Ruzich the opportunity to travel during tours. These tours can last anywhere from a few days to a month.
Adventure guides also assist tour guests with things like first aid, EMT-style care, and other essential medical needs.
Currently, Ruzich is preparing for a few different Park Ranger interviews at parks in the United States. One of these is in Oregon and the other is in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Ruzich’s dream job is to work for Zion National Park in Utah. Her love for geology propels her to continue to work in caves and use all of the information she gained during her internship to provide the best services possible.
