Photo courtesy of Brian Fowler, Park Manager, South Beach Management Unit
“I grew up thinking, and telling myself, that there were a lot of things in life I would never be able to do or have,” says Rushal Sedlemyer. College, a career, and homeownership. They were not part of what she could imagine for herself.
Like many first-generation college students, Rushal grew up without clear examples of people who followed college or career pathways. Raised in rural Oregon, she had limited financial resources. Yet she made her way to SWOCC knowing she wanted more.
A new story
A graduate of Southwestern, Rushal is now the South Coast Natural Resource Specialist for Oregon State Parks and Recreation – a role that once sounded like a dream job. She owns her own home, holds a college degree, and has built a career she’s passionate about. And it all began with one brave step toward education.
When Rushal enrolled at SWOCC, she didn’t have a clear sense of where she was headed. She was interested in biology, but didn’t realize the wide range of possible careers, from ecology and geomorphology to stewardship coordination and habitat restoration.
What she did know was that she wanted something better for herself, and she believed college was the key.
The path wasn’t easy. Rushal faced major financial challenges and leaned on every resource available to her. She found TRIO, a federally funded program designed to support first-generation students. With TRIO, she found mentorship, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.
“It helped me be more engaged and less scared about going to college.” She also found that SWOCC’s smaller campus and class sizes were the right fit. “It felt manageable and welcoming compared to a big university.”
While at SWOCC, Rushal enrolled in an ecology class that made a lasting impression. She began volunteering with the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve and sought out hands-on projects wherever she could find them.
Rushal graduated from SWOCC in 2013 with her Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree. At the time, SWOCC did not yet offer a Natural Resources degree path, and Rushal was still unsure what her future held. But a simple flyer on campus changed everything.
It advertised an internship opportunity with the Coos Watershed Association. She applied and was accepted. During her time there, the Watershed staff encouraged Rushal to pursue a degree in Natural Resources. The experience opened her eyes to a new world — working outdoors, studying ecosystems, and protecting natural spaces now felt possible and exciting.
She eventually took advantage of SWOCC’s dual enrollment partnership with Oregon State University, earning her bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources in 2017. By completing many of her courses at SWOCC, she saved money, reduced travel, and continued using campus resources like the library and tutoring center.
Job Opportunities
Rushal continued building experience through volunteer work and seasonal field positions with organizations such as the Coos and Coquille Watershed Associations, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and local conservation districts.
Her first full-time job was as a Watershed Technician with the Coquille Watershed Association. Over time, she grew into a Restoration Project Manager role and spent seven years developing her skills, confidence, and leadership.
Then came a full-circle moment.
“Seven years ago, I met the person who was in the job I have now,” Rushal recalled. “When I heard her talk about her work, I thought, ‘Wow, that sounds like a cool job.’”
Today, Rushal oversees natural resource projects for Oregon State Parks along the coast from Newport to Brookings. She collaborates on habitat restoration, erosion control, and environmental planning. “Our state parks are special places,” she said. “I’m honored to be the local voice advocating for them.”
Looking back, Rushal is proud not only of where she is, but of how far she’s come. All those things she once thought were impossible – college, a career, homeownership – are now part of her life.
“SWOCC was definitely my launch pad,” she said. “It set me up for success in a lot of areas of life.”
Rushal Sedlemyer’s story is a powerful reminder that with support, opportunity, and determination, even uncertain beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Her journey reflects grit, curiosity, and a belief that something better was possible.
Beach photo courtesy of Rob Brazie, Bullards Beach Management Unit
