Spring/Summer 2011 Newsletter Extended: Mcclay
Live It, Protect It, Explore It!
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MCCLAY MAKES HER MARK AND LOOKS TO THE FUTURE
By Kevin Mould (RPTA '14), Staff Writer
One of the greatest things that can happen to any college student is that when they graduate, they can look back on the time they put in to their major with fond memories and a true appreciation for all the experiences along the way. One recent RPTA ('11) graduate who can certainly do this is Kristen McClay (RPTA '11), the co-winner of the Oustanding RPTA senior award (along with Nika Jalali). One particular experience that sticks out to McClay is the opportunity to compete and win the Academic Quiz Bowl with Cal Poly’s team at the 2010 NRPA Annual Congress in Minneapolis, MN. Another such experience was her chance to assist Dr. Goldenberg in teaching and implementing the two camping trips that go along with RPTA 325, one that pushed her and proved her abilities as an outdoor leader.
When asked to look back on RPTA in general, McClay noted that her favorite thing was probably the fact that RPTA classes are a great blend of learning and playing. She cites her appreciation of being able to learn from such a dedicated faculty and the chance to take to the field and practice everything learned in the classroom. As McClay states, her favorite moments were when she was outside in an RPTA class gaining experience and passing students would exclaim, “What class is that?!”
As for McClay’s future, this summer she is completing an internship as an assistant ranger at Eklutna Lake in Chugach State Park in Alaska. She has kept her job with SLO County Parks, and upon returning from Alaska, she plans to work there part time while traveling as much as possible. Although McClay says she may not have her sights set on one particular career, she states that she will be happy as long as “I get to play outside as much as possible and make kids happy at the same time.”
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