Green Mosaic of Opportunity
erving as an Outdoor Experiences coordinator has developed my skills and creativity beyond belief. I owe much of this to Professor Craig Paiement, who directs the program. He has been an exceptional role model who not only sees students’ potential, but also gives them a platform to show what they can do.
I found PSU’s adventure education program and loved the idea of being able to learn all the activities I was interested in while in college. There were no programs during my freshman year due to COVID, however, and it can be intimidating for a beginner to try to befriend a more experienced person and ask them to teach you everything about whitewater kayaking, snowboarding, or other outdoor activities.
“Gatekeeping,” withholding knowledge or access to the outdoors from others, can also be a factor. I experienced it myself and I wondered if I was outdoorsy enough.
This changed the next year when the University began posting new programming, created and led by student leaders, upon Craig’s recent hire. The gatekeeping culture is canceled with free programs and rentals, and knowledgeable staff helps pick out the proper gear.
My involvement and eventual leadership began when Craig helped me plan an Outing Club and GNAR (Girls Not Acting Right) collaboration canoe trip. It was very successful, with the highest number of participants Outdoor Experiences had seen so far that year. Thus, I was hired as a coordinator to come up with ideas and market them to others.
One program I am extremely proud of is Ski Buddies. Students of any skill level can work 1:1 with a student leader to grow their skills, or even just go to the mountain with friends. We also have Rock Climbing 101, which serves as a complete introduction.
Another key development was my NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) experience in fall 2023. PSU students can take courses in locations like Patagonia, India, and Colorado.
I chose the Pacific Northwest NOLS option and completed an 80-day expedition, with sections in sailing, mountaineering, rock climbing, and coastal backpacking. It truly transformed me from a caterpillar into a butterfly, and upon my return I had newfound respect for my professors and their teachings and could apply my NOLS knowledge to campus situations.
Outdoor Experiences has built a welcoming space for students to learn to ski or snowboard, paddle on the Kennebec, rock climb in Kentucky for spring break, backpack for the very first time, and so much more. Numerous monthly programs (updated on our Instagram @outdoorexperiencespsu) and collaborations with on-campus clubs are offered.
Getting a degree is a huge achievement, but it is also about what you do with that degree and the connections you make that can help your post-college self. I highly recommend getting involved within the Plymouth State community—any way you can think of getting creative, that opportunity is available. ■ Laylah Tsay ’25, adventure education major and outdoor experiences coordinator