Susannah Weaver Explores Lifelong Passion for the Outdoors

Susannah Weaver is a junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in parks, recreation and tourism management at NC State. She is a member of the Caldwell Fellows program and a recipient of the Ronald and Dale Terry Student Assistance and Enrichment Fund, which allowed her to complete the minor in global leadership and team decision-making.

Weaver serves as a member of the recruitment team for the Discomfort Club, which focuses on helping people step outside of their comfort zones in order to grow as people, and overcome personal barriers. 

She is also a member of Impact Delta, a community engagement program in which groups of students work together to address a local social issue through service, advocacy and education through the Student Leadership and Engagement Office.

Through Impact Delta, Weaver and other students in her group are working with Habitat for Humanity of Wake County. The group is assisting the nonprofit organization at Habitat ReStore and with build days to create affordable housing.

We recently asked Weaver about her academic journey at NC State 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?

In seventh grade, my family and I took a trip out West and visited nine national parks. This experience ignited my passion for the outdoors and showed me how the National Park Service unites people from around the world. Regardless of nationality, gender, religion or ethnicity, everyone is welcome to enjoy the beauty of our parks. Hearing different accents and meeting people from diverse backgrounds in one place was profound. One moment that stands out is when I stood at the edge of the Grand Canyon, surrounded by visitors from across the globe, all captivated by the same breathtaking view. In that moment, it felt as though we were all connected, each observing nature through our unique lenses. The thought of helping to maintain and restore places that foster such unity and understanding fills me with purpose.

The outdoors has continuously been my positive outlet — a space where I can express myself, be present and find peace amid life’s stressors. Whether it’s hiking in the mountains or simply enjoying a local park, nature has a way of rejuvenating my spirit. Coming into college, I knew that pursuing a degree in parks, recreation, and tourism management would allow me to explore this passion further. I am excited about the academic opportunities that the major offers, particularly courses in environmental conservation, outdoor education and sustainable tourism. I believe that understanding these topics is crucial for preserving our natural spaces for future generations.

What is your favorite memory or class from your time at NC State?

My favorite memory at NC State was the time where a few of my friends from the Caldwell Fellows program and I carried a couch around campus. It was one of the last days of fall semester and the office the program runs out of was getting rid of a free couch. As college students, the word “free” is not something that can be passed on. Initially, we were just going to move it from Witherspoon to University Towers but then we had the grand idea of taking it to get a picture with the Wolves. We stopped at Stafford Commons, then at the Free Expression Tunnel, and before we knew it, there we were six people carrying a couch around campus at 11 p.m.

Reflecting on this moment brings me so much joy because it really marked the moment where NC State felt like home. The whole night was spent in laughter. The experience also highlighted the essence of the Caldwell Fellows program — bringing your authentic self to every moment. Although it took time, I felt so lucky to have finally found a group of people who wanted to spend their Friday night doing something as irrational as carrying a couch two miles for the heck of it. I had found my people.

What are your career goals?

After college, I hope to explore and wander both near and far. My immediate goal is to complete the Appalachian Trail, and I’m considering either joining the Peace Corps or applying for a Fulbright Scholarship. Throughout my life, I want to try different things and work through my bucket list.

Some of my goals include working as a whitewater raft guide, being a barista at a cool local spot, working for the National Park Service or Outward Bound, and even contributing to my elementary school in some capacity. Ultimately, I aspire to become an outdoor educator. As long as I’m serving others, sharing my passions and working outdoors, I’ll feel fulfilled — no matter where the wind takes me.

How has the College of Natural Resources prepared you for your future?

The College of Natural Resources has empowered me by providing the support and resources I need to bring my best self to any space I enter. I’m especially grateful for professors like Nathan Williams, Whitney Knollenberg and Keith Howard, who go above and beyond. They teach with care, send check-in emails, share opportunities and are always willing to help their students succeed. Deanna Knighton has also been instrumental, meeting with me on multiple occasions to discuss my future, refine my resume and offer encouragement. I have really been able to lay a solid foundation for my future because of people like these who are intentional with what they do. 

What advice would you give to students entering your major?

My advice would be to seek out a part-time job or internship to not only complement what you’re learning in class but to also help you explore which direction you want to take within the field. The major is broad, which I found exciting. To narrow down my focus, I’ve interned with Live It Up! Hillsborough Street and Dorothea Dix, and I’ve worked at summer camps, the Challenge Course and the rentals desk with Outdoor Adventures. These experiences gave me hands-on insight and helped shape my career path.

Tell us about something you are passionate about outside of your academic studies.

A passion of mine is keeping the art of letter writing alive. In today’s digital age, where connections are often made through social media or quick text messages, I believe it’s important to take time to thoughtfully craft a message that expresses genuine appreciation and interest in others. I first got into letter writing at the start of the pandemic to stay in touch with friends, but it has since blossomed into something much more for me.

When I write, I love to find a quiet spot outside, put on music and let my creativity flow. Raised in a family of artists, I’ve always sought my own medium, and I’ve found it in letter writing. Whether I’m carefully choosing my words, doodling on the letter or envelope, searching for flowers to press, or selecting washi tape to seal it — each small act is personalized for the recipient. For me, letter writing has become a form of meditation. I think as a society, we could all benefit from getting better at telling the people who matter to us just how much they do.

This post was originally published in College of Natural Resources News.