In the words of our faculty and students.
“The Problem Inherent with the Epic”
By David McGivern--September, 2008
I met recently with my Outdoor Studies colleagues Paul Twardock and Eeva Latosuo for a discussion about our expectations of students when they pursue their own back county interests. I guess you could say I drew the short straw because, as you can see, I’m writing the essay. Laying an after school expectation on you won’t be easy, so I better start at the beginning.
Last summer, well after the spring term ended, a helicopter plucked an OS student from Turnagain Arm. He was attempting to surf the incoming bore tide when he capsized, missed his role and exited from his boat. The current quickly ripped most of his dry suit off and in short order he was half a mile from the group he started boating with…and then the helicopter showed up.
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“Thoughts on APU Outdoor Studies”
By Paul Twardock—October, 2008
There is no one degree for the outdoor profession; it is too multi dimensional. Thus OS provides an opportunity for students to discover possibilities, find a passion, and then equip themselves to follow their passion.
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“Kula at APU”
By Eeva Latosuo—October, 2008
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.
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