Unlocking Adventure: USU STARS Gear Up Offers Exciting Outdoor Learning Experiences for Utah University Students

Eighteen students from GEAR UP, a program focused on helping future college-goers, recently took part in an amazing 57-mile rafting adventure on the lower San Juan River in Utah. This trip wasn’t just about fun; it combined outdoor education with personal growth.

The journey, which took place in late May and was just south of Moab, was a joint effort between USU STARS GEAR UP and Southern Utah University staff. Aryn Dotterer, the executive director, emphasized how vital nature is for our health, saying it helps our minds and bodies. Being outdoors not only boosts physical fitness but also aids mental health and learning.

Before paddling, students learned about river safety from guides. One key takeaway? "A calm mind is best in outdoor recreation." The students then took to the water in bright red kayaks, partnered up, and spent hours navigating the river.

Once they set up camp, evening activities included catching lizards and toads with biology professor Dillon Monroe. Geology lessons were also on the agenda, with Casey Webb using a sand replica to explain how the San Juan River formed over millions of years. Students loved the chance to learn right in the moment. Emma Glover, a Snow College graduate, said, "We live in science. It’s cool to learn about it while we’re living in it."

Many students were camping for the first time. Edward Tierrablanca, a student at Utah Valley University, reflected, "It was eye-opening, especially to learn from professors." Despite a challenging night of little sleep, the group was excited for their hike on the Honaker Trail, where they climbed 1,000 feet in just two miles.

A “career night” followed dinner, where SUU Outdoors staff shared their personal career paths. All had graduated from SUU’s outdoor recreation program, and they talked about how it led them to fulfilling jobs in their field. Michie Pham, another student, found their enthusiasm inspiring.

Amy Lund, a GEAR UP college advisor, noted how her early experiences as a peer mentor shaped her future. She said, "It was enriching then, and I get to do it full-time now." Her colleague, Kyle Lund, encouraged more students to take part in such valuable experiences.

Throughout the trip, students learned that careers aren’t always straightforward. Many speakers reminded them that paths can twist and turn, just like the river. Lillyanna Garcia, a student from SLCC, appreciated hearing diverse perspectives on career journeys and felt less pressured to have everything figured out.

The third day was a favorite for many as they faced the thrilling rapids of Government, Twin Canyons, and Ross Rapids. Near the end of the trip, biology professor John Taylor used a dead bat to teach about animal biology, showing how bats conserve energy. Later, students spotted glowing scorpions in the dark, adding to the excitement.

On the final day, the group admired the striking red rocks of Oljato Wash before reaching their destination at Clay Hills Crossing. The collective sentiment was one of gratitude for a chance to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature and each other. Priya Corley from Utah State University summed it up well: "I loved knowing that the world still carries on beyond everything on my phone."

Looking ahead, USU STARS GEAR UP plans to organize more trips like this, offering hands-on experiences that link education with exploration. These adventures help students not only learn but also discover potential career paths in an engaging way. To find out more about the program, visit USU STARS GEAR UP.

Source link

Utah State University, Today, News, story, stories, press releases, Utah, media