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Welcome to Flash Focus! In this series, we introduce you to fascinating student Flashes from all walks of life.

Meet Alison Bredek, a junior environmental studies major with a minor in park management from North Ridgeville, Ohio, a member of the 5X����'s Honors College and the treasurer of the Future Environmental Professionals Club, with the big dream of becoming a park ranger for the National Park Service.

Bredek values spending time outside as much as possible and trying new things.

“Outside of school, I always make sure to give myself time to do the things I love to do,” Bredek told Kent State Today. “Having that school and life balance is so important to me so I am sure to make time in my schedule for all of it.”

Being a second-year transfer student, Bredek was nervous about making friends on campus but found a community shortly after arriving.

“I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to make the same connections, but I was quickly proven to be wrong,” Bredek said. “I met my now roommate just one week into being on campus, and I couldn’t imagine my Kent State experience without her.”

Along with her roommate, Bredek also cherishes the people she has met as a campus tour guide during her second semester.

“The entire group of my co-workers have been the most helpful and friendly people I have ever met,” Bredek said. “I can’t emphasize enough to get involved as much as you can. It’s the best way to meet people.”

Through Bredek’s few semesters at Kent State, high school College Credit Plus classes and courses at her previous university, Bredek earned an associate degree and internship with the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

“Working in the visitor center and leading a variety of programs for summer camp groups and local kids, my dream job was made into a reality,” Bredek said. “Being able to put on the uniform and go to work in such a beautiful setting every day was something that I will never forget. I gained experience within this internship that I can put forward into my career following graduation.”

Just like many college students, Bredek has faced challenges in her college career. A class trip for an outdoor recreation class challenged Bredek’s outlook on her capabilities.

“One of our main assignments was to go on a trip offered by the Adventure Center on campus. I chose to challenge myself by going on the backpacking trip, even though I had never backpacked before,” Bredek said. “Three days and 25 miles later, I came back to campus with a newfound mindset that if I can do that, I can do just about anything else that is thrown at me.”

Bredek appreciates the people on campus who have made her time at Kent State so special.

“I quickly found my home here. The community I have found within my major, as well as around campus, has made my time here so memorable,” Bredek said. “The experiences that I have had I would have never gotten anywhere else, and I am forever grateful for Kent State and the people who I have met during my time here.” 

Are you a student interested in being featured in Flash Focus, or know a student who would make a great candidate? Send suggestions with name and contact information to kentstatetoday@kent.edu.