Jessica Bustamante ProRanger Introduction/ Leadership Camp

Hello my name is Jessica Bustamante a new ProRanger Cohort for Temple University. I started Temple University in January, 2015 and going for my Criminal Justice B.A. I am a transfer student from Community College of Philadelphia. I didn't think I was going to get accepted into the proranger program since I was new to the university and also I didn't have much experience or qualifications that I thought were need. Dr.Irons was the person who told me about the program and to apply. I honestly didn't apply until the actual extended deadline because I wasn't sure if I wanted to do it. Then I thought about the experiences and resources that I will have after all, which are going to be great for my future. I really did it in a rush, that's another reason why I thought I wouldn't get accepted. I have tried my hardest in my school years that have led me to where I am know and I know my parents are proud of what I have accomplished. I was so happy when I was accepted to the program that it surprised me instantly and I thanked God for giving me the opportunity that many would have wanted and I got the privilege to have now. All of the students who were accepted, we all had to go to a leadership camp for a week in New Jersey. We all got along very well after all, we all got to know each others strengths and weaknesses but a lot of us got rid of a lot of our fears, for example myself. I am afraid of heights and I honestly didn't want to do about 3 of the activities that had to do with heights which were rock climbing, repelling, and walking on a tree up in the air by other 2 trees on the side. I thought the world was coming down on me when I had to challenge my self by choice and I basically had to get rid of the fear of heights with those activities. I loved how my cohort supported me through it all and that's what helped me get through it and actually do the activity to the end. I was very appreciated with all people who supported me not just the cohort but the NPS staff and Temple faculty. I was also given a NPS coin and a Temple baseball hat for my accomplishments that I was very grateful for. Now the park  I was chosen to go for internship is Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine with the National Park Service. I am so exited to see how these 2 months are going to go and meeting Rangers and people within the NPS.