So amazing...here I am.

This is my last year at Prescott College. As such, I am not sure what to feel. Over the past four years I have experienced more than I ever thought I would, and a list of everything that has happened would be impossible to construct. Although, here are some amazing opportunities:

• Orientation was mesmerizing
• Met my best friends, whom I have lived with since school began
• Journalist, copy-editor, and designer for student newspaper
• Volunteered at a school for homeless children in Phoenix
• Rafted, hiked, and horse-packed widely throughout the Grand Canyon
• Rock climbed extensively throughout Joshua Tree National Park and the Prescott area
• Attended a rally to support Arizona teachers in Phoenix
• Team member on an academically inclined 800 mile horse-packing expedition down the Arizona Trail from Utah to Mexico focusing on relational leadership, the psychology of sustainability, and integrative education. Moreover, this was the first expedition of its kind on the Arizona Trail.
• Became incredibly involved in the mountain biking world
• Completed a 200 hour yoga teacher training during winter block. We did yoga for 8-10 hours a day during the four week class in my favorite classroom on campus.
• Took a class called Rock Climbing and Geology
• Became the events coordinator for the Prescott College Peace and Justice Center. This meant organizing, writing grants, and introducing speakers and musicians from all over the world.
• Certified as a Peer Educator through the Bacchus Network during a Prescott College class. This is a nationally recognized certification in the human development industry.
• Took an improvisational dance class that changed my whole outlook on the way I move.
• Teachers assistant for a class called Holistic Health and Wellness. This was focused upon yoga, massage, physiological structures, integrative medicine, and a group sauna at the end.
• Had an education class where we traveled by van throughout Arizona and Colorado to teach in some of the most effective K-12 schools in the country. During this time, we wrote lesson plans while on the road, worked with great teachers, and after some time took on the teacher’s role.
• Completed my last year, after five, as a rock climbing guide and instructor trainer.
• Active member in the Strategic Planning Committee for the future of Prescott College; specifically in the area of Student Success and Support
• Changed my competence title to Liberatory Education
• Traveled solo throughout most of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua.
• Worked at an orphanage in eastern Guatemala. A twenty minute boat ride to the nearest town down the Sweet River in the middle of dense jungle.
• Wayne Regina’s Models of Leadership class
• Jordana Dezeeuw Spencer’s Feminism and Social Justice class
• Sitting here right now, and being able to reflect upon these amazing experiences.  

In effect, I am not writing all of this to be self-righteous. Essentially, I am grateful for the education I have received. Prescott College is like no other school in the country. I can say this because I have looked. During my college search I explored everywhere from Princeton to Marlboro, Reed to Naropa, and many others in between. This is not to say these are bad schools, I just took a more reflective process than merely picking a school because of how many swimming pools there were. As such, I looked deeply into the who, how, and why of myself. It just came to be that Prescott College made more sense then anything else, which still holds true even after going into $40,000 of student loan debt.

What I am moving toward is that Prescott College has been one of most mesmerizing and awesome experiences of my life; using awesome in terms of being in complete awe of my classmates, professors, and available opportunities. I could not imagine going to any other school in the world. I have learned that I am braver than I believed, stronger than I seemed, and smarter than I thought I could be.

Essentially, Prescott College does not have a lot of stuff. We don’t have several swimming pools, a permanent croquet field, or big fraternities and sororities. We don’t need these things. Prescott College is community. Prescott College is exploring our deepest potentials. Prescott College asks us who we are, along with what we know. Schools come in all different shapes and sizes, some are for-profit and others are for life long learners.

When choosing a school, look at the journey that may present itself. For it will not matter what the name was, but what was learned. It will not matter how many students attended the school, but who we met along the way. We are all looking for a sense of belonging; a place where we are understood. For me, Prescott College has been, and continues to be, that place.
Enjoy the journey…

 -Jordan Kivitz, 09.2011

Arizona to Amsterdam

Sitting in a cafe on the corner of a busy cobblestone street in Amsterdam, I still cannot believe that I am in school. However the numerous critical reflections, the four books, and the thesis paper always bounce me back to reality. The opportunity to create and participate in independent studies is an incredible aspect of this school. The moment I heard that it was a possibility, I knew that I wanted to take full advantage of the opportunity.

Independent studies at Prescott College are an incredible way for students to employ their creativity, innovation, and independence into their studies. It gives us the chance to be extremely self directed and participate in field work that we are passionate about. In the spring, I decided that I wanted to study an aspect of my women studies minor, in one of the most culturally relevant cities to that field. When I brought up the idea to my professor, who I asked to be my mentor for the study, I was met with great enthusiasm. They did not look at me like I was crazy for dreaming so big, but reacted with support, excitement and positive reinforcement. A reminder that at Prescott College, there is a firm belief that no dream is to large to achieve. I was met with the same amount of enthusiasm from my advisor, the risk management coordinator and everyone else who helped me make this course a reality. For this course, which I chose to do for fall block, I wrote the curriculum, stated the course objections and designed the workload. After filling out all the paperwork and getting the course approved, I was ecstatic. How many other places could I have made this study happen during my years as an undergrad? Not many.

Being so far away from school, some would think that one would lose their sense of accountability and commitment to the course. However, quite the opposite takes place, because I am studying something that I am extremely passionate about and because I am so grateful for this opportunity, I have put an immense amount of effort into getting the most out of this experience. This independent study has enabled me to work in the field, interviewing experts, observing first hand cultural influences and allowed me to think analytically about critical social theory from a women and human rights perspective. Skyping and e-mailing my mentoring professor on a regular basis has allowed me to share my ideas and observations as well as allowed me to continue feeling connected to the Prescott community even while being half away across the world.

I am an unyielding believer that a true education does not just take place in a classroom. That personal transformation and commitment to learning surpasses the walls of college campuses. That exploration with what one is passionate about, and first hand cultural experience, not only teaches us to be global citizens, but relish in the beauty that one is constantly learning, absorbing the wonderful thing that is human potential. I am loving it here in the beautiful and exciting city of Amsterdam, but I am ready to come back to my Prescott College home and share my experience and my study with the community that I call family. This study has given me so much insight about the world and myself, I cannot wait to take full advantage of the other amazing Prescott College opportunities that await me when I return.

~Amanda Hampton, 09.19.2011

Reevis Mountain School (AZ) Independent Study

Deep in the Superstition Mountains, I wake before the sun rises. Stepping out of my yurpee(which is like a mix between a yurt and a tepee) I listen to the forest come alive. I let the chickens, turkeys and ducks out around the garden and orchard, which is lush with fruits and vegetables. I spend the morning working in the garden, then sit down to breakfast which is fresh from the land I work. Then the day is filled with lessons about herbology, primitive living skills and organic agriculture. In the time I have been here I have learned a wide spectrum of skills; from how to treat a rattlesnake bite with prickly pear cactus to what the best growing methods for different vegetables are in a desert environment. I now know how to prepare salves and tinctures, hot to make friction fire, how to pair foods that best support the body’s needs. Reevis Mountain School of Self-Reliance has taught me much more than simple skills, though. I have learned to take responsibility for my well being as well as the planet’s well being by being a part of a self-sustaining and eco-conscious community. Peter Bigfoot, the founder, and his wife Patricia have become like family to me. Peter is a well known herbalist and is best known for his much-publicized July 1976 solo trek across the Sonoran Desert. He walked 85 miles in 15 days, and brought no food or water, relying strictly on what could be foraged along the way. Patricia is an incredibly talented writer and tough homesteader who makes delicious baked goods that make everyone around quite happy. Both of them have a kindness and wisdom to them that has taught me so much. The school draws people from all over the world who hold to the values that are taught here. I have met people here from all over the country, and even one man who came from Australia. I have learned so much by getting such a wide array of perspectives, and two things seems to pervade all who come here: one, they are very in touch with compassion for the earth and it’s people, and two, they are all really cool.

What is even cooler, though, is the fact that I am getting credit through Prescott College for my time as an intern here. Through the school I designed my own course for my studies at Reevis Mountain School. With support from many at the college, including different teachers, fellow students and even the lovely people in the admissions office I was able to put together ideas to create a course through which I could make studying what I want for college credit a reality. Independent study, one of the best ideas in college history. The fact that almost all Prescott College students create at least one speaks much of the open-mindedness of the school, as well as the drive of the students here. Never have I seen or heard of college undergrads doing such interesting work, with such freedom. Another reason why I feel beyond lucky to have found Prescott College, a place where independent drive is encouraged. Where you can study exactly what you want, and have all the resources and support you need to make your ideas a reality.

The garden and surrounding mountains

Peter, the founder, and I. I am wearing a mountain lion pelt that he brain tanned.

-Brittany Davis, 9.16.2011

Hummingbirds

I was searching for schools that were off the beaten path, schools with unique curricula and unique students, and I found Prescott. I had only briefly considered the school before I received a phone call out of the blue from a student working in admissions. Suddenly half an hour had passed and I was planning my entrance essay.

I began to ask around about Prescott College, and what I heard only strengthened my suspicions that it was the place for me. A friend of mine, a friend I seem to meet only fleetingly and in a different state each time, a friend who drives an old BMW without power steering around the country, told me that Prescott, AZ was a place he would never forget. He said it was, out of all the places he had been, one of the most special.

He wasn’t the only one to say favorable things about the glowing communities here in town. A touring poet I know from Boston travelled all around Arizona, and Prescott was his favorite part of the state, by far.

Through my own exploits in the New England poetry scene, I had come to know myself as a writer. I needed to be in an academic environment that did not simply assign chapters and give standard prompts, but would immerse me in a community of artistic growth and excitement. I spoke with students, read articles, studied degree plans, and all these together conspired to convince me that not only was Prescott a unique and wondrous place, it was a place that offered me the opportunity to study exactly what I needed to.

The more I researched, the more Prescott beckoned to me. My admissions counselor, Andrea Mersmann, was calling me as well, though by decidedly more conventional means. She became the voice of Prescott College, and through countless emails and telephone conversations, what was once a suspicion became a safe bet. Prescott College was my school of choice.

I am now in Prescott, sitting in my apartment, typing this up. Outside my window I can clearly see Thumb Butte, the glorious hikeable rock formation looming over town. There is thunder in the distance and my lovely hummingbirds are still gathering nectar despite the imminent downpour.

In only three days I have met more people than I can count on my two hands, all of them helpful, friendly, and interesting. It is such a dream come true to find myself here. So many months of planning are finally my reality.

I have about a week before orientation begins and only have to stop at the bookstore before I have all the necessary supplies. I can only imagine what is in store for all of us new Prescott students on our upcoming adventures. I can hardly wait.

-Estin Vogel, 08.24.11

Community Orientation

For my Orientation I attended the Community-based Orientation this is offered to incoming students who are unable to be in the back-country for long periods of time. My reason was a Staff Training I couldn’t miss for a position at Camp Willow Springs, doing High Ropes, up on the Butte. Community-Based Orientation embraces the same mission and philosophy as the other orientation options but is a little different kind of way. Through community service projects, field trips, and interactions with community members I became just as oriented to the school, each other and the Southwest as my peers on orientation. It was an amazing experience and created lifelong memories and friendships! All orientations here at Prescott College create memories and friendships that truly do last a life time.

-Joshua Keultjes, 2011

Aaron's Yoga Orientation Experience

Yoga orientation was so much more than I thought it would be, but also more than I could have ever hoped for. I know that statement doesn't seem to make a lot of sense up front but those that take the time to participate in any of Prescott Colleges' programs will come to understand. I have always been raised to hope for the best but plan for the worst. That being said, when I heard of the yoga orientation my first thoughts were of a bunch of students sitting in a circle talking about our feelings and chanting in the woods. That's not to say that you can't do that if that's your thing, but my point is that the orientation experience that was offered to those of us that chose the “yogic path” was more than just stretching outside. It really offered valuable knowledge about physiology, kinetics, and developing a healthy mental outlook to carry you forward, hopefully to success. It is not a vacation retreat to any that may be thinking of approaching it as such. You will work hard and be challenged on a daily basis, whether its to overcome personal obstacles or to try and find balance within the group. But when that balance is achieved and those obstacles overcome, doors will open. A skill set that will be priceless in your future, at Prescott and beyond, shows itself to you. After my time on the Yoga orientation, I felt not only healthier in body, but also more centered and grounded in my connection to the world around me. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better introduction to Prescott College, and I really believe that it was that experience that has helped me succeed thus far.

-Aaron Wilson, 05.27.2011

Get the true feel of Prescott College by watching this video

Fifteen minutes will open your eyes to an education that most don't know even exists -- an education for adventurous, engaged learners seeking to immerse themselves in an intense and transformative experience, and to connect with their society, their environment, and their own potential.

And when the credits finish, if you have a smile on your face or you feel inspired, then help us spread the word. Send our video link to friends and family who could benefit from knowing there are amazing educational choices like Prescott College! And of course, if you haven't already - call or email us. We'd love to explore your options with you at admissions@prescott.edu or 877-350-2104.

As Dean Jack Herring explains, our education is "a whole different enterprise".

Check it out at: http://youtu.be/EBNynwRAVoM

The Yoga Orientation Experience...In the words of student Amanda Hampton

Participating in yoga orientation has been one of my favorite experiences at Prescott College. During the course of those three weeks at Walnut Creek, I learned an immense amount about my self, yogic traditions and philosophies, awareness and the land of Arizona. Every night we slept around a campfire, making what some call a dream circle. Falling asleep to people telling stories and singing campfire songs still remains one of my favorite memories. We woke up in the morning to the sunrise and made our way over to a clearing where we had designated as our space to practice yoga. There, we would undertake between 1-3 hours of yoga. After that we would continue on with our day. Depending on the day, we would take 8 mile day hikes, go on quests for petroglyphs, make prayer flags for our “yoga area”, work on the sweat lodge that we made for our community service project, have group conversations about yogic philosophy based on the assigned book, eat yummy food, have afternoon yoga sessions, have rest time, as well as time to work on our presentations. We did a lot of the same activities that wilderness orientation does, like the presentations, the community service project, solos and group bonding, we were just based camped for most of the trip. Still sleeping and going to the bathroom outside, still cooking meals in groups, having resupply and still getting plenty of physical activity in. I actually felt like I was in the best shape of my life after orientation (at least 4 hours of yoga everyday will do that to you) yoga is great for anyones body and spirit. We also took a four day backpacking trip. One of the best qualities of Prescott College, in my opinion is our unique approach to orientation, my experience with orientation changed my life, and if I could do it over I would choose to do yoga orientation in a heart beat!

-Amanda Hampton,May 2011

Competences, like produce, can grow organically.

Talk to any Prescott College student and they will have a story about how they chose their competence. For some, the answer was simple and obvious, like knowing you have to peel a banana in order to get to the fruit inside. For others, the choice manifested itself in other ways. Some danced around different ideas before settling down and choosing just one. Others might have had an epiphany in a class completley unrelated to anything they ever imagined studying and some, like myself, saw their competence evolve and grow into something completley new and before realizing it, had declared a competence in a completely different program than they had initially begun.
I began my journey at Prescott College in the Fall of 2008 with the intent of studying Marine Conservation. I fell in love with the Environmental Studies Department at Prescott College that first year and found myself devouring course after course with a hearty appetite for academia. My second year gave me wiggle room to explore possible areas for my breadth and I focused on Social Jusice, taking classes in both Peace and Gender Studies. What I found in these classes was my incredible passion for social justice, and while buried in theory and student activist work, felt I had found a second home.
Not wanting to release my dream of a competence in Environmental Studies, and having now realized a passion for Social Justice, I knew I had only one option--Double major, of course! I spent the remainder of my second year at Prescott College taking interdisciplinary classes in many of the different program areas and logging in a significant amount of hours in the Advising Center. It was then, after many long taks with Heather Knowles, the head of Advising, that I realized I wanted to teach about social justice and environmental issues. I wanted to talk about what I was learning at Prescott College! I began creating my degree plan towards a dual-copetence in Environmental Education, and a self-designed major called "Culture, Power, and Consciousness Studies".
Creating and designing my own competence gave me leave to plan a degree however I wanted. I combined Social Justice Education with Cultural & Regional Studies, Adolescent Studies, and Psychology & Human Development to create my own unique major, specific to my area of interest.
Environmental Education led me to the Education program at Prescott College and in taking classes about Environmental Education, Experential and Expeditionary Learning, I have realized my passion for teaching. I am currently pursuing my teaching certification and am hoping to teach in public schools (grades 7-12) upon my graduation.
The best part about it is, not only have I realized my true passion, but it came about in a way so unique to Prescott College. I have been supported in my educational journey every step of the way--by caring and compassionate faculty and instructors--and by the college itself. No other school would have allowed me such a path. I believe that one of the best parts about Prescott College is the fact that it is an experiential school. We get to participate hands-on in our area of study right away...we aren't taking a bunch of pointless pre-requisite classes that keep us out of the field for two years...If I wasn't "practicing" in my field from the get-go, I might not have realized my passions...my competence might not have evolved...and I might, just now, be starting to figure out where my true heart lies...and by then, it might have been too late.
I am so incredibly thankful to have found a school like Prescott College because, as corny as it my sound, it helped me find myself.
By Sydnie Bonin

Creativity, Music, and Art! Oh, my!

Prescott College as a bunch of incredibly artsy students - from glass blowing, to sculpting, to poetry, to dance. A question I get consistently is - "Well where is Prescott College's music program?". If you are having a similar concern, it is understandable. Music, for me anyway, seems to serve as part of the vital life force that runs through my body. Growing up in Boulder, Colorado I volunteered at Radio 1190, an independent, alternative station. I was always surrounded with new music, and people who were very passionate about keeping up to date with what was what... heading down to Denver to see an array of shows every week. That was my music scene growing up... I never played an instrument (well, clarinet in middle school band, but that did not stick for too long). My roommate on the other hand, grew up playing guitar, piano, singing... She brought hand drums, the key board, two guitars, a banjo, a tambourine, a violin, a harmonica... And let me tell you, she plays them all (for better or for worse).

There are some extremely talented musicians here, and people are very open and supportive, and ultimately create some amazing sounds. I was very impressed.

Whether it is sitting around in a friends living room playing music, or sitting and listening, maybe a house show in someones basement or yard, getting yourself to The Raven or Coyote Joe's (for those of you who may be 21), or driving to Flagstaff or Phoenix for a concert or music festival... You will not have to worry about a lack of music in your life.

-Hannah Jean Marshall
-04/15/2011