Outdoor Dreams, Professional Goals by Kate by Kate

Outdoor Dreams, Professional Goals by Kate by Kate - March 2025 Scholarship Essay

I remember the first backpacking trip I went on. I have always loved the mountains but this time it felt different. Something about carrying my own bed and dinner was so exhilarating. In my thirteen year old mind nothing had ever tasted better than freeze dried beef stew cooked over a portable jet boil. Nothing could ever be softer than a blow up pad that I had carried 8 miles. This experience made me realize I wanted this to be a part of the rest of my life and future career.

In ten years I hope to be doing professional sales for an outdoor gear company. There is nothing I can imagine enjoying more than connecting with fellow adventures, identifying needs, and earning an honest dollar promoting outdoor gear that I believe in. I am working towards a Business Management Marketing degree with a minor in Recreation Management which will be key in this journey. Learning about consumer behavior, branding, and effective communication will help me connect with customers and understand their needs, while courses in recreation management will deepen my knowledge of outdoor activities and product trends. I believe that these skills will allow me to make a lasting impact on the outdoor gear industry and help people experience the same joy I’ve found in the mountains.