For Hans VanDerSchaaf '01, a planned studies major, life has unfolded in interesting ways. After graduation, VanDerSchaaf spent a year in Missoula, Montana, working as an AmeriCorps team leader on a technology and education access program. From there he moved to Portland, Oregon, on another AmeriCorps assignment, this time heading a group of AmeriCorps members on resource conservation projects in the Portland metropolitan area. This led to a high school natural resources vocational program and finally to his current job, coordinating a youth environmental service learning program.

Students in the program work in the field on projects such as watershed restoration and salmon habitat enhancement. The program operates in conjunction with nine community partners. VanDerSchaaf said, "Half the time we're in the field completing community enhancement projects, and the other half we're at school. I lead a crew when we're out in the field, and I coordinate our project funding when the students are in school."

What's next for VanDerSchaaf? He plans to move to Toyama, Japan, to teach English and is looking into a master's program at Portland State University. "I really love the administrative, visioning, and development part of my current job," he said. "I want to pursue it further."

VanDerSchaaf is happy his route took him through Ithaca's planned studies program. "The experience has definitely influenced my career path, and more importantly, my life."