Thoughts From Damaris Gibaldi, 2014-2015 LEAP Intern:
I had the privilege of planning Gordon’s 2014 student hike up Mount Monadnock as a part of my internship with the La Vida office. As a “LEAP” intern (Leadership Experience in Adventure Programming), I know how valuable it is for students to have accessible opportunities for outdoor recreation, which is why I chose to plan this hike. After working through all the logistics, advertising, and communication with students, I was so excited when the day of the hike actually came. Along with my co-leader, Misha Johnson, and 12 other students, we took a bus up to New Hampshire on a beautiful November day to hike Mt. Monadnock’s Dublin trail. Not only was it rewarding to see the behind-the-scenes work come to life, but seeing students laugh together on a mountainside was truly priceless. Here’s a quote from Julia Bartos, a junior at Gordon College who went on the hike: “The hike up Mt. Monadnock was a great weekend excursion! We had a beautiful time, with blue skies that gave us a panoramic view from the peak and lots of laughter and fun. It’s the perfect thing to do with friends, and we all had the chance to get to know new people too. Thank you, La Vida, for putting this adventure together!” College memories are made through unique events like this, and we are excited to plan more student excursions in the future.
Photo Credit: Damaris Gibaldi
