Before I started my job with Cooperative Extension, I had no desire to pursue a Masters degree and was satisfied with my Bachelors degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural Business Management. Even if I had desired an advanced degree, I don’t think Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Sport Management would have been at the front of my mind.
However, working at a job that values education as much as Cooperative Extension does, I knew I would eventually need to get a Masters degree in something. After a few road trips focused on National Parks between 2020 and 2021, I realized that I truly love the parks, outdoor recreation, and travel (tourism), and after researching the PRTSM Masters program through North Carolina State University, it seemed like the perfect program for me.
While I expected to learn about content in areas that I was interested in, I didn’t realize just how beneficial the Masters of PRTSM program would truly be. Throughout my courses, I engaged in meaningful conversations with my professors and classmates, many of which came from different backgrounds and thus brought different perspectives to the table. The courses were challenging both in terms of workload and content, and each course challenged me to think more critically than I had before about issues facing my organization and the PRTS field.
I found the schedule of the classes to be conducive to the working professional and appreciated that class meetings occurred during the evenings. I also liked the structure of the 8 week courses and thought the schedule of classes in that way to be beneficial. Most importantly, I appreciated how knowledgeable my professors were and felt that each one was truly invested in my learning and success.
Looking back on the last year and a half in the program, I can honestly say that I have taken away so many valuable lessons which have helped me improve my 4-H program already and will continue to do so in the future as well. Through meaningful discussions during class with my professors and classmates, in addition to the class material, this program has not only equipped me with the skills to be a better manager of my program, but a better leader as well.
This program taught me much more than I could have ever thought, and I learned so much about the PRTS field, others, and myself in the process. Despite the challenges of balancing a full-time work schedule, life, and a rigorous academic load, I feel thankful to have been in the PRTSM Graduate Program. I am grateful for the incredible people I met through my cohort and the faculty teaching each course, and I appreciate the perspectives that each contributed.
After graduating from the Masters of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Sport Management program, I plan on continuing my education as I pursue a certification as an Environmental Educator in North Carolina. I also plan to continue exploring, traveling and sharing the love I have for the outdoors with the youth I work with through 4-H along with my family and friends that have always supported my endeavors.
Caroline Goss Portfolio 