Navigating the World of Possibilities
Intelligent and well-traveled, Zachary Rodavich is a dynamic force within the College Living Experience (CLE) community. Currently in his first semester at Montgomery College in Rockville, Maryland, Zachary is not just a student; he’s a visionary with a passion for public transportation and a commitment to making positive changes in his community.
Hailing from a diverse background that includes stops in Michigan, Shanghai, Singapore, and Switzerland, Zachary brings a unique perspective to his studies and his advocacy for accessible and sustainable transportation.
We recently sat down with Zachary over Zoom, and he shared insight into his experiences, aspirations, and the transformative journey he’s on at CLE.
CLE: You’ve lived all around the world. Where were you born, and where was your favorite place to live?
Zachary: I was born in Michigan. I lived in Shanghai for six years. I’ve also lived in Singapore and Switzerland. Switzerland was my favorite place. I love the mountains, and the food is great there.
CLE: Do you remember when you fell in love with public transportation?
Zachary: I started loving public transportation in Singapore. The trains are much cleaner there because there’s more regulation. I always felt safe riding the trains in Singapore, and they are always on time. There’s a train every two minutes during rush hour there.
CLE: What would you say is the big difference between the trains in Singapore and the trains you take around school?
Zachary: The Metro stations are dull. Like, the colors and the architecture are just dull. The Metro doesn’t feel that welcoming.
CLE: You have a lot of good ideas for improving transportation and accessibility around where you live in Rockville. Tell us how you’re turning your ideas into action?
Zachary: I got to talk to some people at Rockville Town Center about making it more accessible and more inclusive. I also go to travel advisory board meetings at the Montgomery County Department of Transportation.
CLE: What are some improvements you want to make in your city?
Zachary: I want more ramps in front of buildings and more push buttons that automatically open doors. I think we can add more bus stops on routes 46 and 55 for students to get to Montgomery College. I also want to see some more electric buses in Rockville because they give off fewer emissions. They have natural gas buses now, which is a step in the right direction.
CLE: Do you know what you want to do after school?
Zachary: I want to get a job with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Transportation should be used to create a sustainable future for our planet. We need to have good, safe transit to have a sustainable future.
CLE: How’s it going at school so far?
Zachary: Living with a roommate is an amazing experience. I’ve never done it before. It’s cool that we take turns during apartment tasks. My least favorite task is laundry because the machines don’t always tell you when the clothes are done.
CLE: Finally, what piece of advice would you give to students starting out in CLE?
Zachary: Definitely attend the orientation sessions. You’ll learn all the rules and expectations and get settled into the program the right way.
Zachary Rodavich’s journey exemplifies the spirit of CLE, where students not only embrace the opportunities presented but also actively contribute to creating a more inclusive and sustainable world. Stay tuned for even more inspiring stories and updates about our incredible students.
