It is no surprise that the school located in the self-proclaimed “world’s best backyard” would have students with a passion for the outdoors. Derek Rasmussen, a senior studying business marketing From Hyrum, proves someone doesn’t have to be an outdoor recreation major to enjoy the outdoors.
Rasmussen is currently working as the social outreach with “Outdoor Vitals,” an outdoor equipment company. Rasmussen also gets payed to go test new equipment once a month. This could involve backpacking, rock climbing, rappelling, or any outdoor activity.
According to Rasmussen, SUU is the best place to work in the outdoors. “Any direction you go you can find something rad to do,” he said. “I do The Narrows top to bottom,”Rasmussen said. “A lot of people do The Narrows, but they don’t see most of the slot canyon, they only see the bottom.”
Rasmussen’s favorite outdoor spots include a pond by Gunlock Lake, which provides cliff jumping, rope swinging and swimming. Another recommendation is Banff National Park in Canada. “It’s literally one of the coolest places I’ve ever been to,” Rasmussen said. Rasmussen is quick to advocate for the affordability of traveling, and camping, “just don’t stay in a hotel the whole time, camp!”
To his friends, Rasmussen is known as a daredevil. “I just like to go out and do stuff,” he said. “I’m a big fan of adrenaline.”
Due to Rasmussen’s love for the outdoors, it is safe to say that he will be searching for adventure for many years to come.
Outside T-birds is a new University Journal series, featuring SUU students with a lust for outdoor adventures. Other Outside T-birds have a chance to be featured by emailing outdoors@suunews.net.
Story By: Maddie Carter
outdoors@suunews.net
Photos Provided By: Derek Rasmussen
