The national college decision day is May 1st, so all kids should know which school they will be attending by now. Some kids knew where they were going months ago, others knew only a few days ago.
I was one of the kids that within the past couple days decided where I would be attending college. I was stuck between two schools that seemed nearly identical in every aspect. When I was looking at schools, I wanted to make sure it wasn’t in a city-like environment and has a medium-size student enrollment. I wanted to be able to fish and spend time outdoors in my free time and I wanted a school that offered a lot of majors, especially criminal justice and photojournalism. Finding a school that offered both of my desired majors really limited my options. So, where will I be going to college?
The University of Montana
I was first introduced to the state of Montana two years ago when I had the opportunity to go on a service immersion trip with Calvert Hall to the
Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Browning, Montana. While on the trip, I fell in love with the country feel and beautiful scenery. The people of the state of Montana also made me feel extremely welcome and the state just felt comfortable.
Most of the people that know of my college selection ask “why Montana?” At first glance, the University of Montana seems like a remote college where I’ll spend four years of my life. Lots of people think there’s nothing to do there and nowhere to go. However, that’s the exact opposite of what the school is really like.
The University of Montana is in Missoula, Montana. Missoula is an extremely friendly city that doesn’t have a city feel. The city has no tall high-rises or dirty streets, and it isn’t very crowded. You may also know of my love for fishing, and Missoula has numerous world-class trout streams right off campus. Montana is also known for its mountains and snow; perfect conditions for skiing, another activity I really enjoy. And finally, the University of Montana has tons of options for majors and minors. Right now, I’m trying to figure out my career options. I love law enforcement and serving the people, but I also love photographing and sharing news and stories through images. I also love the outdoors and fishing. The university offers majors and minors that can tie all of my career interests into a pair of majors or major-minor combo perfectly. They also host programs that I don’t think many other schools have.
I feel that the University of Montana is a perfect match for me and through hard work and determination I hope to successfully graduate a Griz.
Photos by Evan Zimmer | Special to the Review
May 02, 2013 09:32
By Evan Zimmer
You may have been able to guess from my previous posts that I come from a fishing family. What you most likely didn’t know is that I have family near Ocean City, MD. Putting the two together I’ve come across a perfect “summer job” for myself. For the rest of summer I’ll be working on boats at the beach doing detailing work such as washing and waxing. My first week on the job was bittersweet; I had lots of fun but the work is very tiring and in some instances difficult.
If there are any photos you wish to see while I’m here, leave a comment and I’ll do my best to capture it!
August 06, 2012 12:35
By Evan Zimmer
If you can remember my first blog post you’ll know that my grandfather passed away in the beginning of the year. He loved fishing and traveled all over the world to pursue his passion. One of his favorite places to go was the Gourmet Salmon Lodge in Gaspé, Quebec, Canada to catch salmon. He would reserve the lodge for a month over the summer for the past several summers. I was fortunate enough to go with him on one of his last expeditions with my uncle and cousin for a few days.
My grandmother wanted to visit the place my grandfather loved so much so we planned to go up for a few days. For Christmas my grandfather gifted my cousin and I the opportunity to go to Canada with him this summer. This short expedition would fulfill our opportunity. The last time I went we drove with my grandfather (about 21 hours) then flew back while he stayed a few more weeks.
This time, we would fly there and back. We only planned to take three flights there and land on the same day; that wouldn’t be the case. The first two flights to get us to Quebec City went flawless. No problems with security, customs, or flight delays. The adventure began when we boarded the flight from Quebec City to Gaspé. About 20 minutes away from landing we were told that there was heavy fog and we would circle around in hopes that the fog would disappear; it didn’t. The next stop for the plane was the Magdalen Islands (Îles de la Madeleine) so that’s where we headed. The pilot came on the speaker with the same fog message. Frustration began developing from most people on the flight. It was about 11p.m. at this point and we were running low on fuel. Our “alternate [airport]” was Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. About an hour later we landed there to be greeted with confusion. We thought we were staying there for the night and leaving in the morning but it turned out that they had to refuel and leave because the airport and surrounding areas were all closed. Next stop: Montreal, a two hour flight back, passing where we originally came from.
In the morning we boarded a flight from Montreal to the Madgalen Islands and minutes before landing I saw something that seemed to tie everything together. A lone, white cross stood atop a large, grassy hill. I wasn’t able to grab my camera to snap a picture but the sight brought comfort. It was like a sign that said “this was God’s plan.”
About an hour later we landed in Gaspé and spent most of the day driving around the town. The following day we fished in the morning, and though we didn’t catch any salmon, I did have a bite and my dad caught two trout. Nonetheless, we had a great time and much needed relaxation from day-to-day activities.
Many thanks to Norbert, Doug, Ivy, Lorn, and Al for providing us a great couple days and reminding us of the countless days you spent with my grandfather.
July 25, 2012 06:43
By Evan Zimmer
For the past 11 years, I have attended an annual fishing camp with my father. The Brotherhood of the Jungle Cock gathers annually in Thurmont for a weekend long event. The organization teaches boys ages 8-18 about preservation and conservation of natural resources using the fundamentals of fishing, and primarily fly fishing, as the medium.
Starting on Friday, kids start by fishing in two ponds well stocked with trout. Friday night after dinner the boys attend a class tailored to their age and angling experience. The education program typically takes at least six years to complete.
Saturday the boys receive fly casting, fly-tying and streamside instruction. Streamside instruction goes on for several years and includes basic casting, advanced casting, entomology and “Fishing with the Masters.” On Saturday night we gather around a campfire where the first year boys receive their official Jungle Cock patch symbolizing their initiation into the organization. After the campfire everyone heads over to an outdoor amphitheater for a presentation by a guest speaker and some lucky kids will receive prizes ranging from hats and polarized sunglasses to fishing rods and reels.
This is a great opportunity for boys to spend a weekend with their fathers, grandfathers and other friends who sponsor to build bonds and appreciate a weekend experiencing nature and the outdoors.
June 04, 2012 03:05
By Evan Zimmer