Rachel Pennebaker (BS Geology, 2008)

After graduation, I got hired by the Forest Service to work as a botanist for the Cle Elum Ranger District (I received a minor in Biology - emphasizing botany). After being certified to fight fire, I realized that was where I'd rather be - so after finishing up plant work, I was able to become a Wildland Firefighter on the Cle Elum Initial Attack Hand Crew in August. I spent the summer running a chain saw, cutting trees down, hiking all over, working out, traveling to California and Las Vegas for extended assignments, and hanging with a diverse bunch of great people - ALL WHILE GETTING PAID! I couldn't ask for anything better (for the time being)!! Who would have guessed that all aspects of my schooling help out in the fire world as well? They just make fun of me for being an "ologist" and for willingly loading up my line gear with unnecessary rock weight!

I got laid off after Veteran's Day of '08 for the winter - after all, the forest doesn't burn under several feet of snow! I will be returning to the fire crew in the spring! So during the winter, I live the college life in Ellensburg minus class and homework! I've been spending my unemployed time hiking and enjoying good company and the outdoors, and am waiting for the snow for snowshoeing and boarding! It's been real nice to not HAVE ANYTHING to do - for the first time in my life.

I wouldn't trade my time at Central for anything! All of my best friends have been made through Geology and CWU. I loved the closeness between both students and teachers at CWU Geology - that was my favorite! I thoroughly enjoy that our major has allowed me so many great opportunities to stay where I love - THE OUTDOORS! We shall see what the future brings me - but I'm pretty content and happy where I am right now.

Picture: Smokey the Bear and I at the July 4th Celebration in the Upper Valley. The Kids LOVE US!