Mary Rogelstad

Content Writer

Mary is a Content Writer at Rustic Pathways. She has been a writer and editor for nearly 20 years. Prior to covering student travel, Mary created content for the music education company J.W. Pepper & Son. She also was a writer and producer at CNN International and a communications director for a social service agency and a K-12 private school.

Latest

How the Pandemic Changed Volunteering: Seven New Trends

January 19, 2022 · 5 min read

Like many other things, the pandemic altered how people gave back through service.

Hike Machu Picchu

16 Movies Shot in Latin America and the Caribbean

December 21, 2021 · 7 min read

Filmmakers feature stunning landscapes from the Dominican Republic to the Galapagos Islands.

The Three Best Programs for First-Time Travelers

November 5, 2021 · 3 min read

Read details about three of the programs commonly picked by first-time travelers.

Preparing for College & Careers: How Rustic Programs Help Students After High School

September 7, 2021 · 5 min read

It certainly can be challenging for teens to try to figure out what to do with their lives. Some students rely on their high school experiences to make that decision. But when they travel, things often change.   

Sunset in Fiji

Best Solutions for Climate Change in Fiji from Global Youth Summit Students

August 2, 2021 · 5 min read

Students from 21 countries participated in the Rustic Pathways and Stanford University Global Youth Climate Summit. Explore these novel solutions to environmental problems in Fiji.

Community Service in Fiji

Climate Leaders Fellowship: Teens Learning with Stanford University

July 5, 2021 · 7 min read

Stanford University professors have found an extraordinarily effective way to help people understand different points of view. This groundbreaking process will be shared with Rustic Pathways students from 25 countries who'll be participating in the Global Youth Climate Summit.  

Making an Impact: Rustic’s Summer Program on Climate Change Will Empower Teens

April 12, 2021 · 4 min read

A special online program is being launched this July by the Stanford University Center for Deliberative Democracy and the Rustic Pathways Foundation. The Global Youth Climate Summit will challenge students in 7th-12th grade to design innovative solutions to environmental issues.

The Psychological Need For Connection: How Travel Helps Mental Health

April 6, 2021 · 8 min read

Mental health statistics show that the well-being of many teens drastically declined during the pandemic. Parents can help teens find their way back through international programs that are designed to build connections.