Sycamore Canyon

Prescott, Arizona is surrounded by intense natural beauty. Flowing from the riffs of canyons and bouncing off the geological masterpieces tucked in the great pine forest that cups this lovely mountain town is a sense of wild that is oh so lovely. When one wants to embark out just a little further from Prescott, one finds so many places worth dedicating time to exploring. One of these is Sycamore Canyon.

Sycamore Canyon is located a little ways from Prescott, but most definitely worth the trip. When hiking down into the canyon it feels like stepping into The Land of The Lost, or through a portal into some sort of paradise dimension. The canyon walls are a bright rusty red, juxtaposed against the green of the plants and the Verde River that flows through it and the many blues, purples and pinks of the river rocks. Breathtaking, to say the least. Like walking into some sort of oasis, it often reminds people of a picture of the Amazon. Lush and green, yes, this is the high desert.

Many Prescott College students come to this place with much respect for the wildlife and beautiful hiking that can be found. Also, a rejuvenation of the spirit. Sycamore Canyon has long been said to be very sacred to humans who live in this region, even from back in the days when the Apache and Yavapai Indians roamed free until now they speak of its power. Just breathing in deeply in this wonderland one can feel the absoluteness of this spirit. Another reason to love Prescott, the fact that Prescott College’s students hold such importance in connecting to the natural world around them. In this connection lies the answers to our happiness and the contentment that can be found in this extraordinary desert paradise as well as the world at large.

 

Brittany Davis 7.22.2013

 

Tsunami on the Square

Once a year there is a fantastic festival that explodes in downtown Prescott called Tsunami on the Square. On the courthouse square a giant stage is erected and performers from all over come to do powerful shows. There are acrobatic stilt walkers, fire dancers, capoeira performers, live music and thousands of people decked out in their most outrageous attire. When one steps into this rush of awesome, there is wonder at how such a cool festival could be happening in small Prescott, Arizona. Not only are there wonderful performers, though, there are also many booths and independents who support ecological movements. It’s an all around funfest, from the beginning parade to the end of the night full-on fire performance, all with an eye for how humans affect their world.

This year I was very lucky to be a part of the end of the night fire performance. I spin with a local fire troupe called Pyroklectic, and a group of about 20 of us put together a 30 minute choreographed performance piece for the festival. The performance was called “What Do You Do With Your Light?”,(yes note the fantastic pun) and centered around the transformation of people through ceremonial life events and honoring the escape from being a “drone”in a system that doesn’t have your best interest at heart. With huge pyromaniac tricks and unique tools like a giant flaming umbrella to go along with all the general fire goodies like fire fans, swords, staffs, and poi, there was quite a stir caused in the crowd for the end of the night.

What I love about this town doesn’t just end with how amazing Prescott College is or how beautiful the scenery is, but extends into the super creative and very conscious community at large that has been attracted here. Thankfully, these conscious people are not too new-agey, but genuine and humble in their connection with nature, the arts, and the people around them. What a balance to strike, and what a cool gift to live in a place that honors these values.

Brittany Davis 7.8.2013

Tropical Biology: The Natural History of Costa Rica

Prescott College offers a range of truly awesome summer classes, such as Aboriginal Living Skills; Maasailand: A Study in Community Activism, which takes place in Kenya; River Guides Training, which takes place in Utah; Predators & Prey, an ecology class which takes place in the Colorado Rockies; and Tropical Biology, which takes place in Costa Rica. This summer, I was lucky enough to take the Tropical Biology course and spend three weeks studying intensely in Costa Rica.

We travelled to eight different locations, ranging from the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, to Volcan Arenal (an active volcano), to Finca Luna Nueva (a biodynamic farm), to La Selva in the lowlands. We saw tons of breathtaking wildlife, including hundreds of species of plants, too many birds to count, snakes, frogs, and mammals such as sloths, three species of monkeys, and the rare margay.

 

Baby spider monkey at Arenal Volcano National Park

 

The class was academically rigorous as well, and each student walked away with a field journal full of species accounts and notes from our trips. We hiked in the morning and had class in the evening, taking the occasional night hike as well. We learned so much about biology, ecology, Costa Rican history, and political and environmental issues regarding agriculture and deforestation.

Our classroom in Monteverde

I could have simply learned about tropical biology in a classroom, but it wouldn’t even have come close to the experience I had on this trip. I wouldn’t have been able to be a mere three meters away from a margay, or feel the thick, plasticy leaves of a Faramea, or witness a pair of resplendent quetzals interact with each other. I will never forget those experiences. And that’s thanks to Prescott College’s philosophy of experiential education.

 

Male three-toed sloth at Finca Luna Nueva biodynamic farm

 

Ruby Teegarden

7.8.2013

Then something amazing happened…

Everyone has an interesting story of how they came to Prescott College. Whether one has their heart set on Prescott College from the get go in high school or just find themselves falling perfectly into this place from a wonky curve in the road, there is a definite mix of fate and free will that bring students to the precipice of such an amazing educational community.

My own path here was a wonky curve in the road, laden with a hybrid of disappointment and excitement. The disappointment was laid down by a longtime history of going to inside the box schools, ones who raised young people to be blindly guided into a dogged workforce agenda. Filled with tedious lecture and regurgitative classroom structure as well as hostile authoritative propaganda, these places were a slow dragging of the soul in the doldrums. When one has known schools as being just so, one often has a hard time finding something outside of this constrictive box, especially when most everyone around them sees these institutions as the only way to be truly “educated”.

Then came my complete rebellion against the system. After having completed high school and gone to my first semester of regular college, I could no longer stand the emptiness that was being served up and chose to leave even though I would look crazy and be seen as an irresponsible, uneducated citizen. This is when I happened to pick up two hitchhikers who changed my world and started the journey towards Prescott College. Northwood and Snatch(like Gingersnatch, he was a redhead) were their names, traveling with a tiny husky puppy named Sydney. I must admit I never before had picked up hitchhikers, but I was sold when I saw the puppy. Upon picking them up I was surprised how young they looked, and even more surprised when I found that they were only a couple of years older than myself. Over the next hour ride they told me many stories about how they too had left the system, to find something better, and had found themselves in a community of modern gypsies who traveled from National Forest to National Forest, pulling themselves off the grid by living in a highly spiritual nomadic way. They invited me to a gathering of these modern gypsies in the Shawnee National Forest just beyond my initial destination. I threw caution to the wind, so captivated was I by their stories, and drove us all the way to the gathering in the thick of the forest. There I was greeted by so many amazing people, some of the best music I had ever known, and food cooked over campfires that would compare to any fine restaurant. I was so struck by these people’s ideals of respecting the earth through leave no trace philosophies, and at the end of the gathering the only evidence left from them was a soft pounded space free of trash. I had found a kind of heaven.

They asked me if I would like to travel with them, and I made one of the best decisions I ever made. I went back and quit my dead end job as a waitress, packed a backpack and left to see the world…

It was epic, a true epic. It was gnarly, hard, and oh so beautiful. I began studying my passion of holistic medicine through different herbalists and farms we came to along the way. We danced and sang under the moon in a crowd of trees more times than I can count, and met the most amazing people with amazing stories. Traveling to Prescott was initially just a move towards finding another gathering of these gypsies that was happening in the Prescott National Forest, but what I found here talking to a young woman was much much more. This young woman, aptly named Rae, for she was a ray of sunshine, told me about Prescott College and the wonderful things you can do as a self-directed and experiential student. She also told me about Prescott College’s commitment to Holistic Health education, something I had never before heard of in an undergraduate school. I felt the meandering road had finally brought me to a place I could set roots and learn so much. One of the greatest lessons I learned was that there are fantastic institutions that let you learn from outside of the box, but that are still powerful enough to be acknowledged as fully legitimate sources of education. Prescott College is one of these. Prescott College is also a bridge, a bridge where young people can come to learn not just how to live within their societal systems, but how to learn about them and how to change them for a better, brighter world.

When it comes to my path in life, assuredly, this has made all the difference.

 

 

Brittany Davis 7.1.2013

Choreography and Performance Showcase

The Choreography and Performance showcase is an event of its own caliber. Seeing so many works of art created by my fellow students was very inspiring. There was a lovely flow from intense haunting acts to comedic relief to outstanding flow of movement and voice that was oh-so captivating.

Among my favorites was a stomp piece that incorporated lots of beautiful noise mixed with broom work created by Amber. Through the stomps and claps one could really sense the joy and heart rhythms of the performers. Also, there was the very interactive piece created by Timon that incorporated comedy, dance and a wonderful musing on the guitar. Timon asked the audience to open and close their eyes at certain points to create a really enigmatic meandering of though and experience. A haunting Russian gypsy song was sung by Rebecca, who also created a dance performance video that pulled from the ideas of basic life forms like amoebas washing into the more complex forms of human dance and expression. Then there was a whirlpool of music from the hands of Portia on piano. A dancing piece cloaked in red marked some fine couple choreography. Also, Lucy's piece on breath and a triad of women left the whole audence holding theirs. Finally, a wonderfully upbeat and badass choreography decked out in tribal vibes created by Elisabeth left the showcase with a profound feeling of wanting to get up and shake some booty. Oh, Prescott College, the art you inspire.

Brittany Davis 6.5.2013

Dance With Cool Kids

It is always so amazing to see a full circle happen in the midst of Prescott College. This time around it happened with a wonderful class dancing with cool kids. In the introduction to dance and improvisation course we have explored so many facets of dance and how to really come to know oneselt and others through this process. On this day in particular, there was so much laughter and silliness mixed in with a really pertinent reflection of how to connect to young people through dance. The group was a mix of fifth and sixth graders, all ready and willing to break out of the box into some active imagining and movement. We danced for hours, all of us creating a playful space in which to really feel the magic of improvisation.

The full circle effect was achieved because of two very awesome people. One is Delisa, the teacher of many dance classes at Prescott College who has a knack for inviting in some of the most amazing dance teachers and opportunities for her students in this visual art. The other is Jen, a Prescott College graduate who now teaches Drama at a local middle school. Through their collaboration the students from both the college and the middle school were able to join together for such a cool experience. The kids in the class kept excitingly saying how much they wanted to dance like this every day, and I was struck by how important it was to give space for their imaginations and bodies to intertwine and allow them to simply be playful kids.

The college students were especially struck by how polite the younger group was, constantly saying thank you. And after a short period of time dancing, it was so beautiful to see the intimacy that was created. Kids holding Prescott College students' hands, giving so many hugs. So much joy. This, this part of being active in the community and truly seeing the philosophies of Prescott College come full circle, is one of the reasons I am so proud to be a student here.  

 

Brittany Davis 6.5.2013

Baccalaureate

Prescott College is a unique institution, but at times we get so intensely sucked in by our work that we forget to step back and recognize just how special it is. After a tough semester full of research papers, essays, volunteering, and tons of reading, I attended the undergraduate baccalaureate ceremony, where I had the privilege of hearing a dozen senior projects presented in detail. Traditionally, a baccalaureate ceremony is given by faculty or community leaders selected by the graduating class, but Prescott College prides itself on being student-centered, and selected twelve students to present their senior projects. This ceremony was a stunning reminder of just how incredible and driven our students are, and how powerful the work they do is.

One student designed an eco-friendly building that is actually going to be built on campus over the Summer. It is an outdoor classroom facility, complete with sustainable materials, solar panels, passive solar heating and cooling, and a whiteboard/projector oscreen n the inside.

Another student did her interdisciplinary senior project at our Kino Bay center in Mexico. She interviewed fishermen about the overfishing and degradation in the bay, and also created a stunning photo exhibition to accompany their stories. Instead of imposing her view on the matter, she strictly gave them a voice and let them speak for themselves.

Another student reexamined our wilderness orientation, and created an alternative orientation option and a workshop to train the leaders of that orientation. It will be implemented for the first time in the Fall.

These Prescott College students had great ideas, but what makes these presentations spectacular is that they truly put them into action. That building is actually going to be built on campus over the summer, and that alternative orientation is actually going to be implemented in the fall. At Prescott College, we learn by doing… and we put our thoughts into action.

Ruby Teegarden 5.9.2013

"What Are You Doing After College?"

Over the last month or so, many people (mostly family and friends) have been asking me "What are you going to do after you graduate?" Many of them are hopping I'll move back to Sunny San Diego. Some are hoping that I have extravagant plans for the future. And a few are asking just to see if I have an answer.

The truth is, I don't know...yet. I have ideas and hopes, but I'll have to see what exactly will be available to me when I graduate.

However, I know with absolute certainty that I will leave Arizona as soon as possible. I am giving myself a year to two years (max) to finish up my lease and job here, and to allow myself some time to rest before I have to become a career-driven adult. Also, my boyfriend's daughter deserves her time to complete another year or two of schooling here. Aside from an almost non-existent job market in Prescott, I also find myself not wanting to live in a "Red" state that continuously passes or is trying to pass ignorant and biased laws, and cares nothing for it's education system or students (whew!!). Oregon, and Montana are contenders for relocation.

Honestly, I know that pursuing a degree in the Education field would leave me without much of a jumping off point. To add to that, my degree is in Social Justice Education...a rarer field! I purposely didn't got the Teacher Certification route because: 1) I don't care enough about Arizona to become a teacher here and 2) I have too many issues with public schools and their lack of commitment to students (not that all are...just most). Currently, I am looking at job listings around the country (and some around the world) for independent (private) schools looking for teachers and staff. I have found a surprising number of which I meet the criteria for but will apply to after graduation (wish me luck!).

As an adult getting ready for a career, I also have to keep in mind family. I'm getting to that point in my life where marriage and children are more of a reality, so I'm recognizing that I have to plan for that. I don't want a job in some obscure place with little to offer. Aside from looking at relocation areas and jobs in those areas, I'm looking into schools (for my boyfriend's daughter and any future children I may have), resources (health food stores, proximity to the outdoors, libraries, etc.),  average age, average housing costs, diversity of population, eateries, etc. I'm also making sure that the jobs I will be applying for have a nice benefits package (medical and dental are my biggest concerns, especially if a family of my own is in the future). A place that is dog friendly is also a must!!

Really, I wish I had a better idea of what I was going to do after college. However, going with the flow of life and follow my heart has never misled me (it's how I was brought to Prescott College). I know something great will turn up that meets and exceeds my expectations...so until then I'll wait for the Universe to assemble to signs I need to follow.

Angelica R. Brady 3.26.2013

Being a female in Adventure Education

 

 

 

When I first joined the Prescott College community, I knew that I wanted to be part of the adventure education (AE) program, but I was intimidated by the “masculine qualities one must possess” to be considered an acceptable leader. The qualities that I thought one “needed” were brute strength, the ability to be able to conquer any skill, and have great climbing skills. I started to question my area of study. Perhaps, I should look into holistic heath, or psychology. I was comfortable with these topics. But, adventure clung onto my mind and I wanted to continue to explore my past with climbing and broaden my skill set. Yes, I was going to study adventure education!

Halloween Climbing Day

When in-town orientation started and it was time to register for fall semester classes, I found one class that I knew that I needed to be part of. This course was called “Women’s Topics in Wilderness Leadership and Introduction to Rock Climbing.” I was so excited that I was not the only one feeling the stereotypes one needs (masculine qualities) to be part of AE. I was going to learn how to best support myself as a female in AE.

Joshua Tree!

A month later (after wilderness orientation) it was time to go to my first Women’s Topics class. This is when it hit me. I am taking an eight credit course with ALL women. Maybe this will be even scarier than just taking a class with guys. It will be harder to hide behind women. Our first weekend trip away from Prescott was to the San Juan River in Utah. We were taking a four day rafting trip to get to know one another. Don’t get me wrong; I like to talk and get to know people, but on this trip I found myself silent and unable to open up. This happened because; I was amazed at how lucky I was to be part of a course that was developed in order to empower women and to have a chance to show their strengths in AE. It was also to teach women that they are competent and are capable at being well-rounded adventure educators. I am not talking about one arm pull-up strength, but the pure, raw, and unique strength that each one of us possesses.

San Juan River

I could not have asked for a better course to deliver me into my AE career. Since taking Women’s Topics in Wilderness Leadership, I got to TA the course and also I was qualified to be student leader (alongside a professional leader) for Wilderness Orientation. Prescott College has provided opportunities for me that I would have not expected when I first stepped onto campus. By looking at my personal needs, in order to thrive, I have gotten an individualized education that I would have not been able to dream up. Now I am proud to say that “I do climb like a girl” and that the qualities that I have, have created confidence in me and I know that I picked the right area of study at Prescott College. What area are you going to choose?

 

 

~Chloe Anderson Erickson~

Wozani!

 
I didn’t know what to expect from a Prescott College orientation experience. I assumed we would carry heavy backpacks, navigate through canyons, hike over boulders and in and out of forests, across deserts, sleep outdoors and cook our own food in blazing heat and frigid nights. I had even heard rumors of swimming through icy pools with backpacks on and climbing waterfalls.

Though the weather extremes were far milder than I expected, all of the rest was true. But I experienced much more during orientation than just living and traveling in desert terrain for three weeks. I found wozani.

I have spent time in the wilderness camping, hiking, skiing, kayaking, canoeing and climbing. I have taken courses at other colleges and NOLS that had students living together in the wilderness in tents or quinzhees for weeks and months at a time.

I gained valuable experience on those expeditions, and learned from and with some of the best in their fields of expertise. I made some very good friends too. But I did not discover wozani until I spent time with ten amazing people on Prescott College orientation.

            There doesn’t seem to be a direct translation to English for the Zulu word, wozani.  I think that’s fitting, because the feeling is not easy to describe in simple terms either.

Some of the best, complimentary definitions are: to come close, people together, and unity. According to Heather Moseley and Annie Wilkinson, “The expression (wozani) celebrates our collective power and common belief…it binds us together in our struggles…” (See footnote).

If you were to combine all of those definitions, you would start to come close what I experienced with my orientation group. We were miserable together. We were blissed out together. We taught each other and learned from each other. We shared our fire.

We became a collective soul that cared about the well being of the whole. We breathed our collective life into fire, and created song to celebrate our collective power, and our sounds reflected from the canyon walls, acknowledging our unity and sending us home. We entered the desert as individuals and came out of the wilderness as wozani.

I hope you find wozani on your orientation.
Matt Seats