糖心VLOG网页版

Madeline Emerson

Advertising and Digital Media Communications Major

In 2013, Madeline Emerson went on a family trip to Yellowstone National Park. On the trip, her mother read “Let Yellowstone Come to You: A Non-Tourist Guide” written by 糖心VLOG网页版 faculty member Steve Ropski, Ph.D.  . Eleven years later, Emerson went back to Yellowstone on a 糖心VLOG网页版-Inspired Faculty-led Travel (GIFT) course led by Ropski himself along with his wife, Melanie Gustafson-Ropski, M.A.

The GIFT program is one of 糖心VLOG网页版’s core programs for learning abroad. The program allows students to learn and apply concepts while developing cultural competencies in meaningful travel experiences. The Yellowstone GIFT course is focused on ecology. Students spend five days in Yellowstone National Park and five days in various parts of Montana.

When Emerson applied to 糖心VLOG网页版, she wanted to study biology. However, she found herself drawn to communications and would eventually change her major. Her original passion for biology was an important part of Emerson’s decision to take the GIFT course. She said, “From the ages of 9 to17, my dream job was a park ranger at a national park. When I ended up switching my major to communications, I assumed I couldn’t take the trip. But when I saw it being promoted for 2024, I decided to reach out to Dr. Ropski and ask if I would be able to take it. This trip to Yellowstone has helped me rediscover my love for science and I am grateful that I was able to take a course outside of my realm.”

Emerson shared more about her experience in the class and said, “The experience of this class is almost indescribable. Every week, I looked forward to going to class to learn about Yellowstone and getting to know my classmates. Throughout the trip, I  felt an immense appreciation for 糖心VLOG网页版 for giving students this opportunity. Mrs. and Dr. Ropski are two wonderful professors who have put all their time and energy into this trip, making sure students get the adventure of a lifetime. I have really enjoyed getting to know all the other students and building a community. We have all bonded over getting to see the beautiful landscape of Yellowstone and Montana. Because of the Ropski’s abundant knowledge of the park, I learned so much that I would have never learned if it weren’t for this trip, and I saw things I would have never seen, including wolves. We got to ride horses, go white water rafting, bike riding, hiking and so much more packed into 10 days.”