Big Life Series: Scarlet Knights Experience Pacific Northwest
Jul 31 | General, Men's Lacrosse, Softball, Women's Gymnastics, Women's Tennis
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Through Scarlet Knights For Life and the Big Life Series, four Rutgers student-athletes participated in an immersive educational experience out in the Pacific Northwest earlier this summer. Campbell Early (gymnastics), Naomi Karki (tennis), Stephanie Kraska (softball) and Marco Wimmershoff (men's lacrosse) spent time learning about the history of the region with a collection of over 175 student-athletes and administrators from all 18 institutions across the Big Ten Conference.
The Big Life Series empowers student-athletes to become better leaders and inspire change in their respective communities. Attendees took part in a powwow and learned about historical and contemporary experiences of Pacific Northwest tribes at the Grand Ronde reservation. Visiting the Oregon Historical Society, the group heard talks about the Oregon Black Pioneers and the Japanese American West Coast experience. Another highlight featured a nature walk at Multnomah Falls.
With a mission to help support Rutgers student-athletes with hands-on learning experiences, Scarlet Knights For Life continues to provide such opportunities. Accompanied by senior associate athletic director for program development Monique Brown and director for student-athlete development and success Margaux Lesser, the RU quartet reflected on the memorable trip west.
"Being surrounded by student-athletes from universities across the Big Ten, all with different backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences, reminded me how much we can learn from one another when we're willing to listen," Early said. "Hearing directly from members of the community and seeing the pride they have in preserving their culture was both inspiring and eye-opening. It gave me a much deeper appreciation for their resilience, heritage and the importance of honoring and learning from different cultures."
"In the Oregon Historical Society, our passionate tour guide gave a walkthrough of the Yasui family's exhibit – a fascinating example of struggle, resilience and courage," Karki said. "As a daughter of immigrants, seeing these groups and how they have been able to preserve their culture through extreme hardships inspires me. I grew up in the United States and was taught about our nation's cultural history, but sharing culture in real time is an experience not everyone is able to have and I'm so grateful for the Big Ten for providing that opportunity for us."
"The PNW Trip was truly a once in a lifetime experience," Kraska said. "One thing that stood out to me this trip was how important community is and how different cultures use their community to support each other. Everyone was extremely welcoming to us and willing to teach us about their lives and their family history. Even though powwows are a huge part of their tribes culture, they found a way to include and honor us in their own way. They taught us how to come together by way of song and dance, and gave us an experience we will remember forever."
"The trip to Portland was an incredible adventure, with great opportunities to learn, bond with fellow Rutgers student-athletes, and connect with many student-athletes across the Big Ten," Wimmershoff said. "I enjoyed hearing about the other athletes' experiences at their respective schools. A highlight from the trip was visiting Multnomah Falls, where we were able to hike to the top, enjoy a beautiful view, and have a great dinner afterwards. Overall, this was an insightful and unique experience for me."
The Big Life Series empowers student-athletes to become better leaders and inspire change in their respective communities. Attendees took part in a powwow and learned about historical and contemporary experiences of Pacific Northwest tribes at the Grand Ronde reservation. Visiting the Oregon Historical Society, the group heard talks about the Oregon Black Pioneers and the Japanese American West Coast experience. Another highlight featured a nature walk at Multnomah Falls.
With a mission to help support Rutgers student-athletes with hands-on learning experiences, Scarlet Knights For Life continues to provide such opportunities. Accompanied by senior associate athletic director for program development Monique Brown and director for student-athlete development and success Margaux Lesser, the RU quartet reflected on the memorable trip west.
"Being surrounded by student-athletes from universities across the Big Ten, all with different backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences, reminded me how much we can learn from one another when we're willing to listen," Early said. "Hearing directly from members of the community and seeing the pride they have in preserving their culture was both inspiring and eye-opening. It gave me a much deeper appreciation for their resilience, heritage and the importance of honoring and learning from different cultures."
"In the Oregon Historical Society, our passionate tour guide gave a walkthrough of the Yasui family's exhibit – a fascinating example of struggle, resilience and courage," Karki said. "As a daughter of immigrants, seeing these groups and how they have been able to preserve their culture through extreme hardships inspires me. I grew up in the United States and was taught about our nation's cultural history, but sharing culture in real time is an experience not everyone is able to have and I'm so grateful for the Big Ten for providing that opportunity for us."
"The PNW Trip was truly a once in a lifetime experience," Kraska said. "One thing that stood out to me this trip was how important community is and how different cultures use their community to support each other. Everyone was extremely welcoming to us and willing to teach us about their lives and their family history. Even though powwows are a huge part of their tribes culture, they found a way to include and honor us in their own way. They taught us how to come together by way of song and dance, and gave us an experience we will remember forever."
"The trip to Portland was an incredible adventure, with great opportunities to learn, bond with fellow Rutgers student-athletes, and connect with many student-athletes across the Big Ten," Wimmershoff said. "I enjoyed hearing about the other athletes' experiences at their respective schools. A highlight from the trip was visiting Multnomah Falls, where we were able to hike to the top, enjoy a beautiful view, and have a great dinner afterwards. Overall, this was an insightful and unique experience for me."
Players Mentioned
Thursday, July 09
Wednesday, July 01
Monday, June 15
Wednesday, May 27
