Outdoor Advice + Tips: With Liberty and Adventure for All . . .

By Contributing Writer Aparna Rajagopal-Durbin, Faculty member and Diversity & Inclusion Manager at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)

As I head to the 2012 Winter Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City, where NOLS is receiving an Outdoor Inspiration Award for inspiring youth everywhere to pursue an education through a NOLS adventure, I am pondering what “adventure” really means, and what makes someone an “adventurer.”

When you think of “adventurer,” what do you picture? Me? I admit, I think of the image of a rugged leathery-faced mountain man in an old-timey wool cable-knit sweater, pocketed vest, and a canvas satchel replete with important adventure tools like a sextant, a treasure map, and a pistol. Clint Eastwood maybe? Or Harrison Ford? Oh, and he’s smoking a pipe.

What I don’t picture is the photo above. Yeah, that’s me on an adventure—35 days in the Wind River Range with NOLS. And I am pretty much the opposite of Clint Eastwood. I’m not leathery faced, although with age and exposure to the elements I’m definitely headed that way. But more important, I’m not white. And I’m not a man.

So why is it that so many of us think of white men when we think about adventure? Is it Hollywood movies, which revolve around the swashbuckling pursuits of Indiana Jones? Is it our history books, which talk about the heroic deeds of Earnest Shackelton?

Alas, I don’t think we have anybody but ourselves to blame for the fact that we typically associate adventure with privilege.

Well, I’m here to say, “hey everyone, let’s rethink the connection between adventure and privilege!” Literally. That’s what I get paid to do. Besides instructing NOLS students in the field, my job title at NOLS is “Diversity & Inclusion Manager.” I work toward expanding opportunities for a more diverse group of people to take on the adventure of a NOLS course, and ultimately, pursue a career in the outdoors.

It’s a tough undertaking, inspiring young people with a wide range of life experiences, cultures, beliefs, values, religions, and financial situations to go on an adventure. It’s even tougher convincing these young people that they can make a living in adventure.

Face it, it will take a major paradigm shift to be able to see “adventure” as more than just gallivanting around the world finding lost treasure. But maybe . . . just maybe pointing out some role models can get us part way there. So, here goes:

Shelton Johnson is a ranger with the National Park Service (he recently took Oprah on a tour of Yosemite!). Shelton is Black. And he is an Adventurer. Dr. Nina Roberts is a professor in the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism at San Francisco State University and Director of the Pacific Leadership Institute. Nina is multiracial. And she is an adventurer. Juan Martinez works with the White House and the Department of Interior on America’s Great Outdoor initiative, getting more American families out into nature. He’s Hispanic. And he’s an adventurer. M. Sanjayan is the lead scientist for The Nature Conservancy, where he specializes in human welfare and conservation. He’s South Asian Indian. And he’s an adventurer. Jimmy Chin is a renowned adventure photographer and filmmaker whose work has been featured in Outside magazine, National Geographic, and the Banff Mountain Film Festival. He’s Asian. And he’s an adventurer.

And then there’s me. I’m not famous, but I am working on it! I’m a field instructor and the Diversity and Inclusion Manager at NOLS. I’m South Asian and a woman. And I’m an adventurer.

Comments

[jerseys]

Bearish those things, the ups and downs of life in the early faint natural, only better tomorrow!May be everyone's life do not want to always feel that his life, the life is very boring, no waves, there is no challenge to write a good living expenses there are certain limits Aye, though not a set number, but also something that is notunderstand its scope. Very real and very moving.

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I mean, wouldn't YOU work really hard for somebody who'd saved your sanity by rescuing you from Mr. Crazy?

[Senuke]

Thank you for this excellent & thoughtful post, so full of ideas that I have printed it out so i can read again

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The daylong competition will run sometime between today and February 8 to ensure the event takes place under the best possible weather conditions.

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From one female adventurer to another, let's keep recruiting more people into this way of life - passion and career

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You are indeed an adventurer. I want to know more about your adventures. I'm a woman too but you are a woman of good courage!

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YES! I finally found this web page! I’ve been looking just for this article for so long!!

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Ah that would be maybe too much of adventure for me. I was in australia for a month and it was more then enough...
Bill

[Colette Roberts]

Fantastic article! I love reading about women who are strong and competent! And men of color who have chosen to work in the parks! Continue the good work! Colette Roberts

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Very exciting and fun adventure.

Alvin

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There were many times when we were in danger of drowning, serious injury, sunburn, or snakebite, but we were never in danger of not having enough to eat.

[LaurRAINS]

Aparna,
This was a wonderful post to read today. From one female adventurer to another, let's keep recruiting more people into this way of life - passion and career - from all walks of life! I'm with you!
Cheers!
- Lauren :)

[India Tours]

I love your blog its look nice and attractive. I visited many places in India like Goa, Jaipur etc. and always remember that trips which i visited and photos are memories of it in my album and heart touching photos is always with me. I always keep in touch with your blog and going to bookmark also.
Thanks

[Briana @ creative photo backgrounds]

Amazing! Such a great adventure. It's fun and exciting.

[Bijuterii]

This is something I could be good at. Very nice article, is important to find time for adventure.

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It is a nice post. Thanks for sharing.

[Lindsay]

Great post! Your enthusiasm is inspiring!

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When in terms to adventure this is one of the best, but you must have a lot of stamina to overcome the cold surroundings.

[Shelli Johnson]

Yeehaw, girlfriend! So glad and proud to know you. xoxo