Core Competencies
Foundational Knowledge
I aim to be as well rounded as possible, a jack of many trades if you will. I aim to share experiences of all kinds with all kinds of people. Playing baseball through high school took me from the most urban environments in Ohio to the most rural, both challenged my world view. I have noticed that this has helped me empathize as a leader and journalist, and I continue looking for new opportunities to challenge my view of the world through new experiences.
Self Awareness and Professional Development
Self awareness is the key to being inclusive and empathetic. It is key in a leadership position to be able to recognize the times when I can relate to someone’s strife. More importantly, self awareness teaches me to recognize when I cannot relate to someone’s circumstances. It allows me to adjust and keep adapting to new challenges.
Decision Making and Judgement
An abundance of safety is never a bad thing, and I find the best way to be safe is to be prepared. Whether climbing alone outside or teaching others to belay in a gym, preparation and safety is at the forefront of my mind.
Teaching and Facilitation
When teaching, directing, or leading I find that the best way to be productive is to encourage inclusivity. Being inclusive as a leader has taught me that groups are more responsive when they feel they are on the same level of priority in a leader’s mind. I have noticed that they are more likely to help each other when struggling, and reach out for help if they are struggling. Inclusive environments reach beyond the intended program and into the participant’s everyday lives.
Environmental Stewardship
I am currently planning on earning a WFR during the summer and until then I will be keeping up with the ongoing social discussion about the effects of Leave No Trace.
Program Management
I plan to keep facilitating high ropes, low ropes, backpacking trips and climbing trips through my work at Ohio’s Outdoor Pursuits program. I will also be planning events and experiential days for the photographers I lead outside of the work we do for The Post.
Safety and Risk Management
There are many things in life with higher perceived risk than actual risk, and I believe it is my duty as a leader to mitigate these and find the balance between them. There are times when perceived risk goes hand in hand with actual risk, but I strive to find creative ways to mitigate actual risk while keeping perceived risk at the forefront of their minds when necessary. I find that this kind of challenge is important for individual as well as group growth.
Technical Ability
Although I find my athletic abilities are more than adequate for the level of outdoor recreation I partake in, my technical abilities are far behind. I will be partaking in getting my advanced SCUBA Certification as well as a white water kayaking class, rock climbing class, and backpacking class in Spring 2023.