When I started working at APU few years ago, I was very excited to teach at an institution where I would see the students grow each semester rather than meet strangers on expeditions and say goodbyes to friends after the trip is over. The progression of students from novices to outdoor professionals is exceptional at APU. This could be credited for the steep learning curve Alaska provides for us that like to do wild things. I venture to guess there is more to it than just geographical location. Let me explain through the experiences that I had in the last six months with two outstanding field courses.

In May I traveled to the Alaska Range with six students and a co-instructor to explore ski mountaineering and alpine rock climbing in Little Switzerland. The place was beautiful and raw with plenty of opportunities for activities we were after, but what made this course special was the camaraderie and competency of the students attending. Allowing the students decide on skiing and climbing objectives and to execute their plans is the final exam for me as an outdoor educator. Elaborate discussions throughout the course, i.e. on appropriate ski lines or realistic turnaround times, facilitated conscientious decision making process, healthy team spirit and safe and successful summit bids. I had passed the exam, as did my students.

Another great travel course just ended, when I returned from trad climbing course in Squamish. Sure, blame it on 21 days of perfect weather providing an intense succession of climbing skills in each individual. I believe the triumph of this class was a result of the preparation these students had before the trip. Not only climbing classes but other expeditions and academic courses had groomed them to be ready. The supportive environment and hard working students shared the magic of learning to lead climb. I will never forget the first leads I witnessed on this course, what a rush of pride and excitement for a teacher.

There is a Sanskrit word that explains this synergy we have at APU, kula. One of the translations for this word is “community of heart”. The students, faculty and staff at APU are all invested fully in each others’ learning. And when someone succeeds we all cheer in unison, happy and proud of each other’s accomplishments. Now that is something exceptional.