What to expect in year three of the Guided Pathways

Supported by the Gettysburg Approach, the Guided Pathways at Gettysburg College help students connect their personal and professional goals with Guaranteed Career-Ready Experiences. These opportunities allow students to build the knowledge and skills needed for graduate school and their future careers.

From exploring Oman’s culture to participating in a national women and politics leadership conference, students in the Guided Pathways, such as Jessica Chernoff ’27, Natalie Frisch ’27, and Mason McFarland ’27, have discovered how to make the most of opportunities available to them at Gettysburg College.

1. Pursue new xxperiences

Natalie Frisch ’27
Hometown: Nazareth, Pennsylvania
Major: Global studies and anthropology
Guided Pathways Competed: Leadership, Teamwork, and Collaboration | Global Citizenship and Intercultural Fluency | Career Development

For Natalie Frisch ’27, participating in the Guided Pathways program bolstered her self-confidence and linked her coursework with her co-curricular activities. One of her most enriching activities was working with Alpha Phi Omega (APO), a coed service fraternity.

“I joined the fall semester of my first year and became very involved in planning and participating in community service projects. I was eventually elected secretary for two semesters, and then I was elected president of the 50-person organization,” she said.

Through her roles with APO, Frisch developed her leadership and teamwork skills and applied her experience toward the Leadership, Teamwork, and Collaboration Pathway.

Seeking to expand her knowledge of the world and hone her communication skills, Frisch turned once again to the Guided Pathways. She sought advice from her co-curricular advisor, Cara Smith.

“The Global Citizenship and Intercultural Fluency Pathway caught my attention early on because, as an international and global studies major, I am interested in pursuing experiences where I can expand my worldview,” Frisch said. 

Attending Burgburst in Fall 2024 served as her Introductory Experience. She then participated in a Center for Public Service (CPS) Immersion Project to Morocco for her Exploratory Experience during January Term 2024. She also traveled to Oman with the Eisenhower Institute during the 2024-2025 academic year for a Consequential Experience.

As she enters her third year in the Guided Pathways, Frisch will have completed the Career Development Pathway by participating in a Consequential Experience. This summer, she secured a remote summer research fellowship through Ballotpedia, where she studied local and state elections and candidates.

In her junior year, Frisch plans to explore more Career-Ready Experiences, such as an in-person internship or out-of-classroom research, and study abroad in Jordan in the spring.

2. Deepen knowledge and skills

Jessica Chernoff ’27
Hometown: Medford, New Jersey
Major: Political science
Guided Pathways Pursuing: Leadership, Teamwork, and Collaboration | Career Development

When Jessica Chernoff ’27 arrived at Gettysburg College, she admired the student leaders, faculty, and staff who were involved in the College community. She got involved with the Eisenhower Institute (EI) during her first year and became a student staff member her sophomore year, during which she started taking on more leadership roles. By participating in EI programming, Chernoff “saw how meaningful that responsibility can be,” she said.

Last spring, Chernoff was also invited to participate in The Center for American Women and Politics’ NEW Leadership Program Class of 2025 at Rutgers University—an opportunity made possible through the Guided Pathways Fund.

“I was able to take part in this incredible program, where I explored how policy can be used to address real-world problems and was surrounded by women already leading change in politics,” she said. “Being able to represent Gettysburg College pushed me to grow as a student and a leader and helped me see how I can make an impact beyond the classroom.”

Participating in this dynamic leadership opportunity allowed Chernoff to approach her third year of the Guided Pathways with confidence. In the spring, she plans to study abroad in Rome to deepen her understanding of global politics and cultures. Through the Guided Pathways, she discovered the power of intentional reflection to support her goals.

“With the support of my advising team, I was able to take a step back, reflect on what truly matters to me, and focus my energy on experiences that have set me up for a strong third year academically, professionally, and personally,” she said.

3. connect with alumni mentors

Mason McFarland ’27
Hometown: Brookhaven, Pennsylvania
Major: Physics and electrical engineering
Guided Pathways in Progress: Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation

At the end of their sophomore year, students can add an alumni mentor to their Personal Advising Team. Designed to promote academic, personal, and professional growth, Gettysburg’s Alumni Mentoring Program, which opened registration on Aug. 1, connects current students with alumni who have similar interests and career aspirations.

This year, STEM Scholar Mason McFarland ’27 hopes to connect with an alumni mentor who can help him refine his career goals and build his Gettysburg Network.

Motivated to make the most of his Gettysburg experience in support of his career aspirations, McFarland wants to complete each of the thematic Guided Pathways before he graduates. So far, his Guided Pathways experiences have involved re-establishing the student organization Swing Club, serving as a youth mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central PA, completing the Garthwait Leadership Center’s Leadership Certificate program, and serving as a teaching assistant for the Physics Department, among other activities.

“As I enter my third year, I feel equipped to carry forward the legacy left by those before me, while adding my own distinct touch,” he said. “My journey from guest to active participant to leader has been both transformative and multifaceted. It’s a lot to keep track of, but the Guided Pathways framework provides the structure that I need. It not only helps me reflect on what I’ve accomplished but also guides me toward future opportunities for growth and impact.”

 Discover purpose in every activity you pursue at Gettysburg College through the Guided Pathways.

By Michael Vyskocil
Main photo by Hang Lian
Posted: 08/11/25