“Wait for me guys, I'm coming”
“You have to do it!”
“I don't think we should try that.”
“Don't drop Mansur!”
On a cool Saturday morning, a handful of freshmen are enjoying a warm-up, bonding exercise involving a large 3-D spider web on terra firma. A half-hour later, they'll be problem-solving and team-building high in the air, on UNCG's Team QUESt Team Expedition Course at Piney Lake.
Several members of a class composed of international students have chosen to take part. They see it as a chance to continue to bond and open themselves to new experiences.
The course was built last summer. Staff and faculty groups, corporate and community groups, as well as student groups are able to use it. Up to four teams of participants can be on the course at one time, for a total of 32 participants, says Quinton McKissick, assistant director of Team QUESt.
The challenge? Find ways on each portion of the course to overcome challenges so you can get to the next section. It takes teamwork and creativity. You're rewarded at the end (if you want) with an exhilarating jump down a zip line. What an experience.
The students put on their safety harnesses and gear, and in pairs they learn and practice the safety skills, as facilitators assist. No one is ever on their own — they always have support.
A quick crawl 30 feet up the cargo net and they're safely clipped in and ready to find a way to the other side.
Tshèring Tobgay, UNCG's first student from Bhutan, near Tibet, calls out to Mansur Aloleany, from Saudi Arabia. “Go Mansur, go! Whoa!”
Hussain Alawani, also from Saudi Arabia, joins them. They have to find a way to propel the platform. They collectively rock it forward. “Whatever you're doing, keep doing it!” someone shouts.
“Wait,” Hussain shouts, uncertainly. “Ask your team if you're ready or not … OK, yes, we did it. We're almost there.”
Jessica McCall, a graduate student and facilitator, observes from a distance, as the participants problem-solve together. “It's a manipulated setting, but experiential learning is like that.”
Hussain makes a successful leap to a platform — and draws cheers from all, as Mansur follows.
Saerom Han from South Korea partners with Megan Stallworth, a senior who assists with the class, while Pam Harrod, the instructor for this university class and director of International Admissions, offers encouragement from below.
“Saerom is very relaxed up there,” Harrod marvels. They are now crossing the upper level. Saerom is the first to reach a perch at 40 feet, and stands tall, hands on hips.
“She does not seem fazed at all. She just goes and goes. Awesome.”
Choosing the best path. Making sound decisions. Accepting help from others. Trusting those helping you. “How does this relate to your experiences so far at UNCG?” they are asked, by a facilitator.
As just about everyone says as they complete the journey, “Wooo — hoooooo.”
“I want to go back!” says Hussain, as he comes to a smooth landing on the hydraulic zip line. “I want to do that again!”
To schedule a Team QUESt program, contact Marin Burton or Quinton McKissick.
By Mike Harris, University Relations
Photography by David Wilson, University Relations
