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Flash Focus: Alison Bredek

This environmental studies major is passionate about her community, education, nature and 黑料网 experience

Welcome to Flash Focus! In this series, we introduce you to fascinating student Flashes from all walks of life.

Meet Alison Bredek, a junior environmental studies major with a minor in park management from North Ridgeville, Ohio, a member of the 黑料网's Honors College and the treasurer of the Future Environmental Professionals Club, with the big dream of becoming a park ranger for the National Park Service.

Bredek values spending time outside as much as possible and trying new things.

Alison Bredek Hiking

鈥淥utside of school, I always make sure to give myself time to do the things I love to do,鈥 Bredek told 黑料网 Today. 鈥淗aving that school and life balance is so important to me so I am sure to make time in my schedule for all of it.鈥

Being a second-year transfer student, Bredek was nervous about making friends on campus but found a community shortly after arriving.

鈥淚 was worried that I wouldn鈥檛 be able to make the same connections, but I was quickly proven to be wrong,鈥 Bredek said. 鈥淚 met my now roommate just one week into being on campus, and I couldn鈥檛 imagine my 黑料网 experience without her.鈥

Along with her roommate, Bredek also cherishes the people she has met as a campus tour guide during her second semester.

鈥淭he entire group of my co-workers have been the most helpful and friendly people I have ever met,鈥 Bredek said. 鈥淚 can鈥檛 emphasize enough to get involved as much as you can. It鈥檚 the best way to meet people.鈥

Through Bredek鈥檚 few semesters at 黑料网, high school College Credit Plus classes and courses at her previous university, Bredek earned an associate degree and internship with the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Bredek National Park

鈥淲orking in the visitor center and leading a variety of programs for summer camp groups and local kids, my dream job was made into a reality,鈥 Bredek said. 鈥淏eing able to put on the uniform and go to work in such a beautiful setting every day was something that I will never forget. I gained experience within this internship that I can put forward into my career following graduation.鈥

Just like many college students, Bredek has faced challenges in her college career. A class trip for an outdoor recreation class challenged Bredek鈥檚 outlook on her capabilities.

鈥淥ne of our main assignments was to go on a trip offered by the Adventure Center on campus. I chose to challenge myself by going on the backpacking trip, even though I had never backpacked before,鈥 Bredek said. 鈥淭hree days and 25 miles later, I came back to campus with a newfound mindset that if I can do that, I can do just about anything else that is thrown at me.鈥

Bredek appreciates the people on campus who have made her time at 黑料网 so special.

鈥淚 quickly found my home here. The community I have found within my major, as well as around campus, has made my time here so memorable,鈥 Bredek said. 鈥淭he experiences that I have had I would have never gotten anywhere else, and I am forever grateful for 黑料网 and the people who I have met during my time here.鈥 

Are you a student interested in being featured in Flash Focus, or know a student who would make a great candidate? Send suggestions with name and contact information to kentstatetoday@kent.edu.

POSTED: Thursday, October 17, 2024 11:47 AM
Updated: Thursday, October 24, 2024 10:52 AM
WRITTEN BY:
Amy O'Malley, Flash Communications
PHOTO CREDIT:
Courtesy of Alison Bredek