From Pittsburgh to Port Stephens: American Girl in an Aussie World Since receiving her W&J diploma more than a year ago, Gretchen Perschke ’10 has embarked upon a career path that’s anything but traditional. Longing to expand her boundaries, she packed her bags and moved to Port Stephens in New South Wales, Australia, to work as a horseback guide for Sahara Trails Horse Riding. Though Perschke returned to the U.S. in June to attend the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, you can relive her Australian adventures by following her blog at http://pittsburghtoportstephens.wordpress.com.
In Your Own Words: FIRST JOBS As members of the class of 2011 prepare to enter the work force, W&J Magazine wants to know, “What was your first job after graduation?” Out of more than 30 Facebook responses, here are some of our favorites:
Television reporter in Hagerstown, Md. – THOMAS FOSTER ’84
Tour guide at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater. Gretchen Perschke experiences Australian beaches as a horseback guide for Sahara Trails Horse Riding.
– GRAHAM STONE ’92
CHEMIST FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING FIRM IN D.C. – JULIE GREBENZ ROTHBARDT ’93
Stockbroker with Morgan Stanley. GRETCHEN’S BLOG Just you, the horse, and the sand: your answer to feeling stimulated and inspired on your Port Stephens holiday. Close your eyes and feel the rhythm of hooves hitting the sand beneath you; watch the ocean breeze wisp through your horse’s mane; listen to the sound of the approaching waves; feel the sun on your shoulders. As you travel across the majestic dunes, take in the vastness of the ancient Worimi Conservation Lands. Feel at ease letting your steady horse do the work as he carries you effortlessly across the dunes on your way to the water. You arrive atop one last dune for the moment you’ve been waiting for: the million-dollar view of the great Stockton Beach. Your heart skips a beat at first sight of this flawless 32-kilometer stretch. It seems to extend forever, and the
– PAUL ROSSMONT ’99
entire length can be seen from where you’re sitting. Following a brief pause to take it all in, the adrenaline begins pumping. Down you go to the water’s edge! It’s time to pick up the pace and experience the power of your 400-kilogram mount. Every fantasy you’ve ever had of riding a horse through the surf is about to come true. After a refreshingly light ocean spray, it’s time to stop for some photos. The friendly trail guide also doubles as your own personal paparazzi, and she’ll be happy to capture these moments on your camera. The quick photo session is followed by a journey further down the beach, along the water, and back across the dunes. You’ll be in awe of this massive white sandy beach and its sprawling dunes system. What more refreshing way is there to experience this natural wonder than on a horse?
Digital marketing associate for Disney Parks at Starcom Worldwide. – SHARON SHI ’09
University relations representative for Torino Study Abroad in Italy. – NICOLE GABLE ’10
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