Meet Rose Smoot, a Sophomore studying Environmental Science.  Rose’s interest in this field developed after she visited a transfer station with her dad, an OSU alum and Chemical Engineer.  “For those of you who don’t know,” she explains, “transfer stations are buildings where trash is temporarily deposited.”  Rose was shocked when she first saw this.  “People don’t realize living here is a privilege.  We have to take care of the planet to maximize the time we have because there are so many things in this world we will be responsible for fixing.” 

Rose’s love for our planet and the outdoors is embodied in her passion for skiing.  “It’s such an adrenaline rush. Floating through the snow with complete control over what you do is so exhilarating,” she says.  Rose grew up in Boring, Oregon, 30 minutes away from the nearest runs on Mt. Hood.  “My parents brought me up to the mountain before I could even walk, and I learned how to ski shortly after I did.” 

In high school Rose was one of the top cross country runners on her team.  “It was my favorite time of year, and track season was just for keeping me in shape.”  However, Rose began to get knee injuries because of the brutal training required for ski racing and cross country.  By the time she arrived at OSU, Rose had all but quit running.  “I started to lose motivation to work out” she explains, “until one of my friends finally convinced me to lift with him.”  Rose hadn’t done much of this before, and was conscious of her initial lack of strength.  However, over time Rose grew stronger and stronger, and soon was going to Dixon by herself.  “I like lifting because it makes me feel strong and better about my body.  Since I’ve started, I’ve noticed changes and have felt much healthier in general.”  Rose says one of the most satisfying parts of lifting is the personal improvement.  “I remember when I could only do bent over rows with 15 or 20 pound weights,” she says, “but now I’ve more than doubled that.”

As a woman, it can sometimes be intimidating working out at a gym, but at Dixon, Rose feels welcome.  “It is definitely one of the nicest gyms that I’ve been to.  There are a variety of weights, machines, sports equipment, and rooms that everyone has access to.  Rose concedes that being in the weight room with mostly guys can be intimidating at times, but urges women to step outside their comfort zones.  “Don’t think about other’s opinions,” she says, “because if you want to improve yourself, no one is judging that.  From my experience, the guys in the gym actually think it's cool to see a girl lifting.”

In addition to lifting, Rose plays intramural soccer, badminton, and dodgeball with her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta.  “Joining a sorority has been one of the best choices i’ve made here,” she says.  “I’ve found girls open to trying new things, and it has allowed me to be more involved with the OSU community.”

Owen Sutter

New Media Journalist