Zechariah (Zech) Wenzinger

Zechariah Wenzinger has always wanted to visit Alaska, and after an online search led him to Prince William Sound College’s outdoor leadership program, he made his dream a reality.

Born in Lompoc, CA, he lived in Lompoc for 10 years before moving with his family to Santa Barbara, CA. After high school and a year of college, he joined the army. He was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany and then Fort Bliss, Texas. After serving for three and a half years, Corporal Wenzinger left the military to return stateside, moving in with his parents and helping them set up and start their business, Genesis Floor Care in Colorado.

But he knew he didn’t want to stay in Colorado. “I felt it was time to move on and spread my own wings,” he shares. “I moved to Redmond, Oregon, and enrolled in the welding program at Central Oregon Community College (COCC).” 

After enrolling at COCC, he soon realized that welding was not what he wanted to pursue. Instead, he found a new direction when he, “renewed [his] faith in Jesus Christ.” This renewal led him to working for an organization called the House of Hope Ministries, an organization that is, as he describes, “a community center and homeless drop-in center.” This experience had a lasting impact and helped him realize that he needed to pursue a career that truly interested and motivated him.

As someone who has always been interested in the outdoors, he wanted to see what kind of outdoor educational and career opportunities were out there. He shares, “I've always been interested in the outdoors. I like exploring and having adventures, but mainly it is the peace and quiet and the tranquility of being outdoors that is the biggest draw for me.” He scoured the Internet for programs and found PWSC’s outdoor leadership program. In talking about this program, in which he is now enrolled, he shares, “I think participating in this program will help build a great foundation for me. And, when the opportunity arises, I will be able to go into the right career.”

As Zechariah settles into college life and the community, he is looking forward to meeting people, perhaps joining a church, and he’s excited for the academic journey ahead of him.