On Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Yosemite National Park Ranger Erik Westerlund shared his unique career path with Mariposa County High School students as part of the Career Lunch series sponsored by Mariposa Academic Boosters Club.  Westerlund brought several 45 record albums, a feather, and two books to share. The props were representations of Erik's interests in music, nature and discovery, reading and learning.  He emphasized the importance of discovering one's passion and translating that into a career.  

Westerlund has a BS degree with a double major in Biology and English.  He spent some time off track working in a high end Men's clothing store. A friend introduced him to the idea of becoming a Naturalist.  After several years working as a Naturalist in Northern Missouri and in California with Yosemite Institute (which is now Nature Bridge), it became clear that he found his calling.  He went on to receive a Masters Degree in Environmental Science and began his career as a Park Ranger in Yosemite National Park as a High Sierra Camp Loop guide.  Westerlund encouraged the students to discover their hobbies, interests, and pay attention to how they spend their free time as that will help them to define their career path.

Career Lunches are the first Wednesday of the month in the MCHS Learning Center.  The first 40 students to sign up receive a free lunch brought in from local restaurants.

MCHS Academic Boosters Club, Inc. (ABC) is a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to supplement and enrich academic experiences and provide educational tools for Mariposa County High School students. ABC is able to make contributions to programs like this due to the generosity of an Anonymous Donor and contributions from community members.  ABC has a donation campaign running through the end of the year.  

For more information, contact abc.mchs@gmail.com, “like” ABC on Facebook: Mariposa Academic Boosters Club, or follow MCHS_ABC on Instagram or Twitter.