Rider student's path to new career includes awe-inspiring trip to Belize

Robyn-Cherry Seigler '16 hiked through miles of lush, tropical jungle in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve of Belize. She swam through a crystal-blue natural moat protecting Actun Tunichil Muknal — also known as the ATM Cave. As she stood at the entrance of the cave, knee deep in flowing water, Seigler paused in awe of the stalactite and stalagmite formations surrounding her and was overwhelmed with the ancient Mayan history that echoed deep within the cave system.  “We saw broken pottery used in rituals to release spirits, posed skeletal remains that had been embedded in the rock for centuries and deformed skulls with jade teeth to show wealth or status,” Seigler says.  This once-in-a-lifetime adventure was made possible by Rider University’s Nature’s Business course. Seigler joined other students and distinguished faculty to learn about the culture, history, ecotourism and sustainable development in Belize. Seigler works full time at medical technology maker Integra LifeSciences as a document technician, supporting the lab with its chemical evaluations, safety data sheets, protocols and reports. Though she currently holds a degree in chemistry from Rutgers University, she was determined to achieve more and set forth on a path to change careers by earning a second degree.  She was drawn to Rider's College of Continuing Studies (CCS) psychology program. It aligned with her education and experience, allowing her a seamless transition by awarding her college credits, and it offered a fast track to a degree — on her time.  CCS is designed to offer courses that allow adult learners to complete the degree they never finished, prepare for graduate school or medical school, or simply to acquire knowledge in a particular area of interest.  Seigler wanted to understand the human thought process and in turn their motivation and behavior. The advice she received from CCS staff and faculty was influential in setting her goals.  “Professor Brosvic took a genuine interest in my future track and suggested I consider sustainability studies," she says. "He guided me to make an informed decision. I was exposed to different interests and easily recognized that it was the right fit for me, my calling.” The independent research trip to Belize was the perfect opportunity for Seigler to apply what she’s learned, outside the classroom. “I’ve never been to a developing nation so to see firsthand the human impact on their ecosystems was revealing," she says. "Something as simple as using frozen shrimp instead of fresh fish as bait can disrupt a natural habitat." Beyond encouragement from Rider faculty, Seigler received personalized support from Financial Aid in coordinating her scholarships and payment options, from Career Services in providing tutoring and from other Rider students, both undergraduate and adult, in networking to create a welcoming learning environment.   “Cherry maintained academic excellence while balancing the challenges of work and home, and still made time to volunteer as a dance instructor,” Academic Coordinator Chris Micali says.  This spring, Seigler was recognized as an exceptional student having been inducted into Alpha Sigma Lambda, an honor society specifically for adult learners, and Pi Gamma Mu, the International Honor Society for Social Services.  Since enrolling in J-Term of 2015, Seigler has kept the momentum going and will graduate with her bachelor's in psychology in August. She immediately packs her bags to continue her academic journey and begins pursuing her master's in global sustainability with concentrations in sustainable tourism and building sustainable enterprise from the University of South Florida’s Patel College of Sustainability. Seigler hopes to broaden the scope of eco-tourism beyond coastal resort locations. Her ultimate goal is to work for The Walt Disney Company in a capacity that may help reduce their impact on the environment.  “I felt like every job was a stepping stone," she says. "When I came to Rider, everything just fell into place. I had a clear cut path. The staff and faculty were so accommodating with my personal needs; I wasn’t just another student. They strive to develop a relationship to help you succeed and do all they can to make that happen. My journey at Rider propelled my passion, and throughout the University you see they live by what they teach."  She mentions the University's partnership with Terracycle to recycle personal care and beauty product containers, its water bottle refilling stations, and the fact that Rider's graduation gowns are made from recycled plastic bottles.  "That’s just the culture of Rider — they care,” Seigler says.