Rebecca Kirkpatrick
Rebecca Kirkpatrick is a junior majoring in tourism management in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism.
What are your general impressions of your program and the RST department?
I have been very happy with the RST program. I find the classes to be very interesting and applicable to the future career I want.
Also the professors aren't obsessed with only focusing on their research; they are excited and passionate about teaching students.
What has been your most interesting experience at the University of Illinois?
My most interesting experience has been studying abroad over winter break to Thailand. I took a cultural tourism class and then
the class got to go to Thailand to help do research on the impact of tourism on a small town there.
Have you undertaken any research or independent study and if so, on what did it focus?
In my winter break study abroad class we helped collect some early research for a professor studying how a small town in Thailand
would be impacted when the Khmer Temple that sits in the middle of town gains the title of a World Heritage Site.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I hope to work in tourism in Chicago or do Americorp. I want to be able to use my knowledge of Recreation, Sport, and Tourism
to help local communities.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love to do crosswords. I always use it as a way to kill some extra time. I also like to spend time outside or at coffee shops.
Anywhere I can be with other people makes me happy.
Why would you recommend graduate study in RST to others?
If you have a passion for the RST field, the program is great. All of the professors are so willing to help you and there are
many opportunities in the Champaign-Urbana area.