Caitlin McDade, a master’s degree student in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, has been awarded the 2024-25 Fletcher Graduate Scholarship by the North Carolina Recreation and Park Association. The scholarship is awarded annually to full-time NC State students studying parks, recreation and leisure studies.
Since enrolling at NC State, McDade has served as a member of the women’s ultimate frisbee team, nicknamed Jäga Monsta. She is also member of the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Graduate Student Association, acting as the chapter’s representative to the University’s Graduate Student Association.
McDade also works with Leave No Trace to get NC State involved in the #LeaveNoTrash Challenge — a week-long event held during the second week of Earth Month to raise awareness of sustainability practices and low waste efforts.
“We got a bit of a late start, but I’m looking forward to organizing that this spring,” McDade said. “Hopefully NC State will be able to declare that the Pack picked up the most trash of all the universities involved.”
We recently asked McDade about her decision to study parks, recreation and tourism management at the College of Natural Resources and her goals for the future. Check out the Q&A below to learn more.
Why did you choose to study parks, recreation, and tourism management?
I chose to pursue my master’s in parks, recreation and tourism management because I wanted to further my education and do so in a field that would keep me involved with environmental sustainability. I love traveling and exploring natural spaces and want to do my part to help protect these spaces, while also encouraging and inspiring others to do the same.
What is your favorite memory or class from your time at NC State?
I’ve had so many amazing classes, and I love that many of them involve actually going out into parks. But my favorite would have to be PRT 595-005: Children and Nature. We spent a lot of time exploring local areas and learning about programs that focus on engaging youth and helping them develop connections with nature. As an overall course, this is probably the number one class I would recommend others to take if they have any interest in education and the outdoors.
What are your career goals?
Ultimately, I want to be an educator. My current plan is to pursue a doctorate so I have the ability to teach higher education and continue research. As long as I’m doing something that involves teaching and focuses on the environment in some way, shape or form, I’ll be happy.
How has the College of Natural Resources prepared you for your future?
The College of Natural Resources has really helped me explore courses that allow me to envision what I want to teach and research in the future, which I really appreciate. I also really love the courses offered. As someone who was new to the Raleigh area, I found that a lot of my courses helped me find more natural places around the area, which helped me connect to the area more.
What advice would you give to students entering your major?
I think the best advice I could give to students entering my major is to find courses that align with your interests. There’s so many options, both within Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management and outside of it, and a lot of these courses can help you find cool programs and parks that you might not have learned about otherwise. Also, I think just trying to find clubs that sound fun and giving them a try is a great way to go. I found the Forestry Club because I missed axe throwing and did a quick Google search to see if there happened to be any throwing ranges on campus. I thought it was a reach, but we have a club that does that, and I can’t wait to try other activities within the club too. There’s so much to do on this campus. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management itself can keep you happy and busy, but if you feel like you’re missing something, go and find it. It’s definitely out there.
Tell us about something you are passionate about outside of your academic studies.
Outside of my studies, I enjoy spending time outside. One of my favorite places is the U.S. National Whitewater Center near Charlotte. They’ve got so many amazing activities, like a 100-foot drop, zip lining, rafting, climbing and so much more. Last year I tried whitewater stand up paddle boarding for the first time. I now have my own board, practice at the center frequently and have even done a few rivers like the Nantahala and the Hiwassee. It’s so much fun and if anyone wants to try it they definitely should. You’re going to fall but it’s such a rush to make it over some rapids.
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