Recreation, park, and tourism management student using internship to give back

Catharine Aboulhouda, a fourth-year student majoring in recreation, park, and tourism management (RPTM) with a concentration in commercial recreation, is leveraging her real-world learning and internship experiences to give back to others—something that holds a special place in her heart.

Aboulhouda was born 16 weeks early, and she and her family received support from nonprofit organizations including the March of Dimes. Now, she is giving back to others through her internship with the Pennsylvania Pink Zone, which provides resources and support for those diagnosed with breast cancer.

“It is incredible to have the opportunity to give back through my work with the Pink Zone,” Aboulhouda said. “As someone who benefited directly from a nonprofit organization as an infant, I love contributing to an organization that is working diligently to battle a disease and reduce people's worries. It is such a blessing."

During her internship, Aboulhouda is helping the nonprofit develop relationships with cancer survivors. Her work includes assisting the organization with planning and executing events like the annual Penn State women's basketball Pink Zone game and working closely with the Pink Zone board members to build donor relationships to support these events.

Currently, she is helping the Pink Zone prepare for its 20th anniversary, working with Penn State student organizations and reaching out to local companies to develop new projects.

“My favorite part of the job is the experiences I get to have and the people I connect with,”  Aboulhouda said. “Working to produce an event like the Pink Zone Play4Kay women's basketball game is an incredible opportunity. I sit in on logistics meetings, help with the setup of the concourse, and work closely with and get to see the survivors shining on the court as the crowd cheers them on.”

Aboulhouda said RPTM set her up for success by showing her the many career possibilities within commercial recreation and the many pathways to these careers. For example, during her commercial recreation management course, she worked with a small group to create and manage a fictional company, as well as create a website to promote it.

“This class helped me feel more confident in my leadership skills, organization and creativity,” Aboulhouda said. “This translated to the Pink Zone postgame event we had where I managed seven volunteers during our postgame wrap-up work.”

Pursuing an interest in events, Aboulhouda has also leveraged the Meeting and Event Management Certificate (MEMC) in her coursework and hands-on experiences. As part of the certificate program, students take a series of designated courses and then complete an internship. She fulfilled her internship requirement last summer working in the events department at a historic hotel.

“I would recommend RPTM to anyone who is considering a similar career path,” Aboulhouda said. “The opportunities you have through this program are incredible, and so is the personalized pathway. I have had great professors who I could openly talk with, and they have helped make my career goals feel possible.”

Originally published March 2025.