The first 3-4 weeks of my time in Argentina were filled with working a phase of a semester course for NCOBS. This course was phase 3 of a 3 phased 72 day course, that began in the NC mountains in late September. They did a 20ish day phase in the Everglades of Florida, and the Patagonia phase would be the final stop of their epic adventure. The students were 18-21, motivated, and high functioning. The phase took place in Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, and our glacier block took place specifically on Mt Tronador. This is about as good as instructing gets. I worked this phase last year, but last year I had also worked their phase 1 in the NC mountains. This year, Daniel worked their phase 1 while I was climbing out west. One of the challenges that I faced working this course was entering a very established dynamic. First that of the crew, obviously they were very close, but also they were very comfortable with Daniel. So I had to work hard in 1 on 1 settings especially in order to build rapport and feel that I was in a position instructionally to burn rapport, uphold standards, and impel challenge. Another challenge that I faced while working this course was that I am feeling myself burnt out with OB instructing, and sometimes it was hard to digest that I did not want to be there. So challenges remain, as in life, to be present and grateful, and to still uphold the quality of my work to my highest standards. I reported on the challenge first because that's what comes first for me in the process. It's through those challenges that I had a rich, full, emotionally thick, and high impact experience. But of course there was a lot in this work experience that I enjoyed very much. Here are some of those things. First and foremost, I really appreciated the crew of students. I am always nervous to meet a crew, but I love meeting semester crews, especially this one, because 90% of the time they are dope humans, at a formative moment in life, seeking challenge and adventure. Now that is something that I can relate to! I enjoyed getting to know them and learning from them. Second, I really loved working with Daniel. This was our second semester phase worked together, and we did a good job being intentional about our working relationship. We told the students on the first day that we were dating (because we suspected they knew, which they did) so that took off all of the pressure. We upheld professional boundaries and otherwise enjoyed each other' s 24/7 company. We are also both passionate nerds for this work, so it's special to talk about course design, philosophy, and ethics at a high level with practical application. Being in the field is easier if you're not missing your partner back home!! Finally, I really loved the course-end curriculum that we did with the students, namely two group activities designed to promote transference from course to home. Despite my burn out, hearing from students what they will be taking home and how they plan to use the experience really refreshed my belief and passion for the process. On most OB courses that I work, I just hope that I've planted a seed. On this one, the students will straight up say "this changed my life". I certainly feel, to a dramatic extent, that I am living my dreams. That is part of what makes it so challenging to find myself momentarily unhappy in such epic and beautiful situations like the one that I have just been a part of. Maintaining mental health, emotional regulation, self compassion, and gratitude are challenges that will always exist for everyone no matter how incredible their photos look. I will always appreciate my verbal processing in the form of my journal and this blog so that I have accurate, honest, and authentic words to go along with the pictures that tend to speak for me. So anyway, here are some incredible photos: Thanks for reading. That's all for now. I have a little over a month off until I begin working the Patagonia phase 1 for the spring semester course (it goes in the opposite order). Perhaps after that course I will truly retire from instructing. One can dream. Regardless, Daniel and I will spend the next month or so backpacking, climbing, travelling, and otherwise enjoying vacation. All is well.
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