Students often enter college uncertain about what major to pursue or what career to follow. For many, even the decision of whether to take a gap year after high school can shape the path ahead. Rustic Pathways alumni frequently share how their travel experiences provided clarity, direction, and confidence as they transitioned into higher education and professional life. From Sports to Global Studies: Victoria Tadewald’s Journey Like many students, Victoria Tadewald began high school expecting to study close to home, pursuing sports medicine as a natural extension of her life as an athlete. But her perspective changed after traveling with Rustic Pathways to Costa Rica, Australia, and Peru. “Driven by my passions for world travel, I majored in International Affairs and Anthropology,” Tadewald explained. “Rustic prepared me for college and gave me the tools I needed to continue my international education through studying abroad.” After her undergraduate studies, Tadewald pursued a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies with the goal of building a career in environmental tourism. She has since traveled to every continent, joining many Rustic alumni who chose majors and careers inspired by their global experiences. Finding the Right Major Through Travel For some alumni, Rustic programs provided a direct path toward their academic focus. Taylor Badt pursued a degree in International Affairs after traveling on Rustic’s Mystery Trip through Thailand and Myanmar, and the Moroccan Wanderer program. She credits these trips with profoundly shaping her future. Similarly, Linnea Martin studied International Affairs and Education at the University of Colorado Boulder after traveling to Fiji and Peru. “If I could teach a class of kindergarteners in Fiji, climb 1,600 steps up to Machu Picchu, and form meaningful friendships in just one week, I knew I could handle college,” Martin said. A Wide Range of Career Paths While many alumni select majors such as International Affairs or Environmental Studies, Rustic experiences often spark interest in a diverse range of careers. For some students, a college gap year deferral gives them the chance to explore interests more deeply before committing to a major. Travel develops empathy, resilience, and curiosity, all of which are essential traits for future success. Rustic’s learning objectives emphasize openness to new ideas, humility, and grit. In 2019, 97.6% of Rustic students reported measurable growth in at least one key learning outcome after their program. For example, Mary Horton discovered her calling during a trip to Costa Rica. Even with language barriers, she connected with children through games and nonverbal communication. “That one day changed everything for me. I knew I wanted to become an elementary school teacher and teach abroad,” Horton shared. Alumni such as Kristen Gadbois were inspired to pursue careers in healthcare after serving in Thailand and Fiji. Gadbois hopes to work with Doctors Without Borders, providing care to marginalized communities. Beyond Academics: Lessons for Life Rustic alumni consistently highlight the personal growth that shaped their transition into adulthood. Independence, confidence, and cultural awareness are among the most cited skills gained from travel. Alumna Hannah Gutenstein noted that her experiences in Morocco and Southeast Asia prepared her for college and professional opportunities. Other alumni emphasize the importance of lasting relationships. Gabrielle Antolovic made lifelong friends during her four Rustic trips. She says these connections continue to shape her as she pursues a law degree. “I will forever be grateful to Rustic Pathways for countless lessons, gifts, and friendships that have enriched my life,” Antolovic reflected. Connections also inspired alumna Charlotte Maracina while still in high school. After a trip to Fiji, she collaborated with the Rustic Pathways Foundation to launch a nonprofit smoothie café called Sun, Sand, and Smoothies. This project, part of her Girl Scout Gold Award, helped her gain experience in leadership and fundraising. Today, she is pursuing a degree in Public Relations with a goal of joining the Peace Corps. “The ability to have serious conversations and understand diverse perspectives is something no classroom can replicate,” Maracina said. Learn More About Rustic Alumni These stories represent only a small sample of Rustic Pathways alumni whose educational and career paths were transformed through travel. To see more, explore our alumni stories. For details on upcoming opportunities, visit our student programs page, where you can filter by region, theme, and service type to find the program best suited for your academic and career goals. Exploring life after high school? Discover our Gap Year Series to see how taking time off can support your college and career goals: Best Countries for a Gap Year in 2025 (By Goal & Budget) Gap Year After High School: Pros, Cons, and How to Decide Do Gap Years Help or Hurt College Admissions? Best Gap Year Programs in the USA (2025 Reviews & Costs) Gap Year for Mental Health: How To Plan One College Gap Year Deferral Guide: How to Postpone Your Admission (Step-by-Step)
Students often enter college uncertain about what major to pursue or what career to follow. For many, even the decision of whether to take a gap year after high school can shape the path ahead. Rustic Pathways alumni frequently share how their travel experiences provided clarity, direction, and confidence as they transitioned into higher education and professional life. From Sports to Global Studies: Victoria Tadewald’s Journey Like many students, Victoria Tadewald began high school expecting to study close to home, pursuing sports medicine as a natural extension of her life as an athlete. But her perspective changed after traveling with Rustic Pathways to Costa Rica, Australia, and Peru. “Driven by my passions for world travel, I majored in International Affairs and Anthropology,” Tadewald explained. “Rustic prepared me for college and gave me the tools I needed to continue my international education through studying abroad.” After her undergraduate studies, Tadewald pursued a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies with the goal of building a career in environmental tourism. She has since traveled to every continent, joining many Rustic alumni who chose majors and careers inspired by their global experiences. Finding the Right Major Through Travel For some alumni, Rustic programs provided a direct path toward their academic focus. Taylor Badt pursued a degree in International Affairs after traveling on Rustic’s Mystery Trip through Thailand and Myanmar, and the Moroccan Wanderer program. She credits these trips with profoundly shaping her future. Similarly, Linnea Martin studied International Affairs and Education at the University of Colorado Boulder after traveling to Fiji and Peru. “If I could teach a class of kindergarteners in Fiji, climb 1,600 steps up to Machu Picchu, and form meaningful friendships in just one week, I knew I could handle college,” Martin said. A Wide Range of Career Paths While many alumni select majors such as International Affairs or Environmental Studies, Rustic experiences often spark interest in a diverse range of careers. For some students, a college gap year deferral gives them the chance to explore interests more deeply before committing to a major. Travel develops empathy, resilience, and curiosity, all of which are essential traits for future success. Rustic’s learning objectives emphasize openness to new ideas, humility, and grit. In 2019, 97.6% of Rustic students reported measurable growth in at least one key learning outcome after their program. For example, Mary Horton discovered her calling during a trip to Costa Rica. Even with language barriers, she connected with children through games and nonverbal communication. “That one day changed everything for me. I knew I wanted to become an elementary school teacher and teach abroad,” Horton shared. Alumni such as Kristen Gadbois were inspired to pursue careers in healthcare after serving in Thailand and Fiji. Gadbois hopes to work with Doctors Without Borders, providing care to marginalized communities. Beyond Academics: Lessons for Life Rustic alumni consistently highlight the personal growth that shaped their transition into adulthood. Independence, confidence, and cultural awareness are among the most cited skills gained from travel. Alumna Hannah Gutenstein noted that her experiences in Morocco and Southeast Asia prepared her for college and professional opportunities. Other alumni emphasize the importance of lasting relationships. Gabrielle Antolovic made lifelong friends during her four Rustic trips. She says these connections continue to shape her as she pursues a law degree. “I will forever be grateful to Rustic Pathways for countless lessons, gifts, and friendships that have enriched my life,” Antolovic reflected. Connections also inspired alumna Charlotte Maracina while still in high school. After a trip to Fiji, she collaborated with the Rustic Pathways Foundation to launch a nonprofit smoothie café called Sun, Sand, and Smoothies. This project, part of her Girl Scout Gold Award, helped her gain experience in leadership and fundraising. Today, she is pursuing a degree in Public Relations with a goal of joining the Peace Corps. “The ability to have serious conversations and understand diverse perspectives is something no classroom can replicate,” Maracina said. Learn More About Rustic Alumni These stories represent only a small sample of Rustic Pathways alumni whose educational and career paths were transformed through travel. To see more, explore our alumni stories. For details on upcoming opportunities, visit our student programs page, where you can filter by region, theme, and service type to find the program best suited for your academic and career goals. Exploring life after high school? Discover our Gap Year Series to see how taking time off can support your college and career goals: Best Countries for a Gap Year in 2025 (By Goal & Budget) Gap Year After High School: Pros, Cons, and How to Decide Do Gap Years Help or Hurt College Admissions? Best Gap Year Programs in the USA (2025 Reviews & Costs) Gap Year for Mental Health: How To Plan One College Gap Year Deferral Guide: How to Postpone Your Admission (Step-by-Step)