Senior Circuit: Carolyn RiversAs an accomplished volleyball player in high school, Wofford senior Carolyn Rivers never imagined that her college studies would include monkeys bombarding her with fruit in a Central American forest. But she’s oh so glad that’s how it turned out.
Rivers, who excelled at volleyball at Pickens, S.C., and now does the same for Wofford (her 35 digs in a five-game match at USC Upstate last year is a school record), came here “because I knew I would have a great educational experience. I initially wanted to go to dental school and I heard Wofford is one of the best colleges for that. Because of its size, I knew I would be able to get to know my professors and make great contacts through them. When I first visited, everyone was so nice. They made me feel welcome, and that’s when I knew it was the right place for me.”
In pursuit of dental school, Rivers originally chose biology as her major. She is a member of Beta Beta Beta Biological Society. She is still seeking a biology degree, but with a different purpose now.
“I have discovered that I enjoy just being outside…camping, hiking, looking for critters…and I would like to pursue a career related to that. I have spent the past three summers working at Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center, which is near Caesar’s Head State Park and have absolutely loved it! I love working with kids, teaching them life’s lessons, and having fun with them. I think a career in environmental education will be a good fit for me.”
A study abroad trip to Costa Rica may have been instrumental in changing her mind. Changes in latitude, changes in attitude.
“It was one of the best experiences I have had,” she says. “I went on a program based on tropical ecology and conservation. We studied tropical rain forests. We spent two weeks camping, hiking, and learning about the ecosystems on each coast. We had lectures on the beach and saw interesting wildlife every day.”
The aforementioned monkeys pelted her and her fellow students during an eight-mile hike through the forest. She labels the monkeys as “mischievous,” and calls the trip a spectacular experience.
“The whole trip was filled with fun stories like that,” she says.