Josh Roadifer is graduated from BHSU with an Outdoor Education major. He was awarded a national scholarship from the National Association of Interpretation to attend the National Interpreter's Workshop. In 2010 he completed his internship in Badlands National Park. We recently asked Josh a few questions to get to know more about him.
Q: Why Outdoor Education? I noticed Outdoor Education a couple of years before I started the courses and was scared of the biology classes. After transferring a couple of times and taking some time off I decided that it was time to start the OE program. I have always liked the outdoors and would love to work in an outdoor setting, and this seemed to be a good place to start.
Q: What are your areas of Interest? I've always been a huge camper, or maybe it is now a tenter! I love to hike and be outside. I also like motorcycle riding; I have been across the country a number of times on my motorcycle and want to do more. I love to travel and meet new people and see great places around the world.
Q: What achievements are you personally proud of? Before I started the Outdoor Education program at BHSU, I was an average student paying for college out of my pocket with no financial aid. After I started the program, I started to apply for scholarships and started making the Dean's list. I've been on the Dean's list four times and I was awarded three scholarships--a national one, a regional one, and a local one, all different amounts. I have become a member of the professional organization the National Association for Interpretation. Through this organization, I earned my Certified Interpretive Guide certification. I have also become a certified water safety instructor and a life guard at BHSU.
Megan graduated in December of 2008 from Black Hills State University, with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Outdoor Education and Minor in Athletic Coaching. The following is a list of accomplishments, activities, and jobs she was involved in while attending Black Hills State University:
Since graduating, Megan has been very successful in her career endeavors. The following is a list of career accomplishments and employment:
We recently asked Megan a few questions to get to know more about her.
Q: Why Outdoor Education? I transferred BHSU in 2005, after I received my Associate’s of Science degree in Physical Education. I was in search of a career that allowed me to teach young people how to lead healthy, active lives and PE seemed perfect. That fall I enrolled in Physical Education in the Outdoors, which connected classroom teachers with the outdoors. I was introduced to fly fishing, biking, rock climbing, ropes course initiatives, cross country skiing, environmental education, and other outdoor topics. As each unit finished I realized not only did I enjoy doing all these topics, but I could also accomplish my goals without being in a formal classroom. Convinced and excited, I changed my major to Outdoor Education. Outdoor Education has taken my life in a direction I never knew existed. From teaching cold water survival in Alaska, leading cave tours in South Dakota, challenging urban kids on backpacking trips in California, to exciting elementary students about science in Nevada - outdoor education continues to impact my life in such a positive ways. I thoroughly enjoy bringing classrooms to nature, connecting students with their place and communities, and sharing with young people how they can lead healthy, active lives in the outdoors.
Q: What are your areas of interest? I am originally from Wyoming, so I love the snow! Cross country skiing has become one of my main outdoor hobbies. I also love to hike ridges, backpack, kayak, star gaze, bird watch, and throw sticks for my dog! I am also passionate about coaching middle school and high school sports.
Q: Advice for students in Outdoor Education The single most important piece of advice I can share with students studying outdoor education is to gain experience while in college. OE students can easily gain experience through internships, after school programs, volunteering, and summer jobs. You will be more employable and be able to avoid the dreaded “no job” scenario after graduation. Employers are looking for experienced college graduates, which is especially important for those in outdoor education. The second piece of advice I would lend, would be to get experience in a variety of areas. This will help to narrow your interest so you can truly enjoy what you do in your future. “Do what you like. Like what you do” – Life Is Good®
CONTACT INFORMATION: Black Hills State University Education and Behavioral Sciences 1200 University St. Unit 9004 Spearfish, SD 57799-9004 605.642.6550 Patty.Clarkson@bhsu.edu
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