Taking The ProRanger Path

Hello, Everyone.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Connor Caruso, and I am a part of Cohort 7 in the Temple ProRanger Program. I am a junior environmental studies major and criminal justice minor in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University. In order for everyone to get to know me, let me provide you with a background describing my path towards Temple and the ProRanger program, involvement with organizations that allow me to give back and help others, and aspirations for my summer internship.

When deciding what to study and where to apply for college, I grappled with how to incorporate my many interests and passions into one area or field of study. I knew that I wanted to work outdoors, promote my passion for environmental stewardship, and help others, but I never thought that I could combine them all. However, after researching what Temple has to offer, I discovered the ProRanger Program during my senior year of high school. Excited by the potential to be a part of a program that provides the training and skills necessary to work in a diverse and multifaceted work environment as a federal law enforcement park ranger, I decided to apply to Temple and declare an environmental studies major. After my first few years at Temple, I was accepted into the ProRanger program. With this new opportunity, I decided to declare a criminal justice minor in order to familiarize myself with the criminal justice system and gain pertinent knowledge for a future career as a law enforcement officer.

So, why am I interested in becoming a NPS law enforcement officer? My interest stems from a desire to work in a dynamic environment where I have the ability to explore the outdoor world, cultivate the next generation of environmental stewards, serve and protect the environment, and help others along the way. Luckily, Temple has provided me with many opportunities and experiences that serve to prepare me for work within the National Park Service.

One of these experiences is demonstrated in my work with the Temple Community Garden. The Temple Community Garden is a student run organization that cares for a garden situated on a plot of land adjacent to Temple’s main campus. The garden serves as an educational environment where community members and students are encouraged to come and participate in the gardening process. The space helps combat food insecurity and access issues present both on and off campus by providing the surrounding community with access to sustainably grown produce. As the president of the organization, I have the opportunity to share my passion for environmental stewardship with others while giving back to the community.

Sharing my gardening knowledge with a fellow Temple student during weekly garden hours.

In order to help others in a greater capacity, I am currently working on obtaining my National Registry EMT certification. While I continue to take classes and learn new skills, I volunteer weekly with the Good Fellowship Ambulance Club to put my knowledge to the test and help those in times of need. I look forward to becoming a registered EMT and bringing those skills with me to my summer internship.

Preparing the ambulance prior to a volunteer shift with GFAC.

I have not found out what park I will be going to for my summer internship, but I will be happy with any park I am assigned to. I am excited to meet current NPS Rangers and explore what it is like to work within the park service. My favorite parks are those with hiking trails, wildlife, and historic features. I am thrilled to be a part of the ProRanger program and look forward to sharing what park I will be going to and the experiences I have along the way!