I debated whether or not to apply and enroll for the PAC 184 course for quite some time. While I had some major hesitations, I was coming to the end of my degree and knew this would probably be my only chance and therefore I felt compelled to go for it. I was not exactly sure what I was getting myself into, but something told me that it was an opportunity I did not want to miss. I was eager to try something new and push myself out of my comfort zone.
The course content unveiled a whole new level of understanding and experience of the mountain world to me. As a group, we were introduced the basic technical skills and leadership traits required to successfully work in an alpine setting. Some time was spent in the "classroom" but for the most part the learning was hands on and in the field. After 4 years of sitting comfortably in the back of a lecture theatre, I will admit that this was challenging at times. I went to bed every night exhausted, not from the physical aspect, but rather from the amount of information and stimuli I had to process throughout the day.
Rarely was information simply delivered to us at it would be in a lecture setting. We were responsible for being engaged in the process and discovering the underlying lessons that existed within the activities of the day. We learned leadership styles by carefully observing the way our Guide navigated and managed the situations that we encountered. We demonstrated our understanding of conflict management and group dynamics by succeeding as a team despite our differences. We explored the idea of risk by having to evaluate it in context before determining the level of risk and the best way to manage it. Every student was encouraged to take on the leadership role for a period of time, experiencing first hand all the variables that have to be taken into account when leading a group through alpine terrain. Each day ended with a debrief between students and instructors that highlighted important points from the day. I came to like this method of teaching. It allowed me to sufficiently integrate and retain the huge amount of information we covered. I was surprised to see how quickly my confidence and competence increased.
While I do appreciate everything I learned, the highlight of the week was definitely summiting Birthday Peak. It was one of the more difficult objectives in the area and when we heard stories of another group climbing it, we inquired as to whether we would get the opportunity as well. We were an enthusiastic bunch, and in being so, I think we ultimately convinced the instructors to grant us an "Experience Day." For this particular day, we shifted our focus from learning particular skills, to seeing where these skills can take you. Our group met for an early breakfast at 4:30am that morning and headed out of camp while it was still dark. This paid off as we were treated to a beautiful sunrise as we began our traverse across the glacier. Throughout the day I was amazed at how travelling with seasoned guides made what I viewed as impossible, possible. Reaching the summit of that mountain will be a moment that I cherish in memory for a lifetime.
The course would not have been what it was if it wasn't for the group of instructors we had. Each one of them contributed their unique perspective and expertise, making the program whole and robust. I am incredibly thankful for their planning, guidance, coaching, feedback, encouragement, story telling and good nature over the course of the week. While I cannot imagine that I will pursue a career in Mountain Guiding anytime soon, lessons I learned from these people will resonate in my future professional and personal pursuits.
There is so much more I could say, but I will end with this: I could have not asked for a better class to mark the end of my time at the University of Alberta. Here's to graduating on a high note (Literally!) Thank you to everyone who was a part of it!
Story by: Chesa-lee Corsiatto - PAC184 Student