Chyna Denney
by Vicki Heisser & Jessica Young |
I’m originally from San Diego, CA. I’ve been living in Valdez for the past 2 years and have become obsessed with exploring the outdoors since. On my off days I love to wander around Valdez and find places I haven’t been to yet. Surprisingly after 2 years I’m still finding new spots to explore.
What got you interested in the PWSC Outdoor Leadership program?
It started when I saw a degree for Adventure Filmmaking. I didn’t realize I would be a part of the whole Outdoor Leadership program so when I was picking classes for my first semester it was shock to me that I wasn’t taking regular classes like English and Math. Ha! I’m glad I stuck with the program because since my first semester I’ve been exposed to so many wonderful classes such as Mountaineering and Crevasse Rescue/Glacier Travel.
Tell us about your coursework and in what ways has it been relevant to your internship with Pangaea Adventures?
A lot of my course work has helped me gain in site on what it means to be a leader in the outdoor industry. I’ve been fortunate to have opportunities to guide with Pangaea Adventures and use many skills such as public speaking, safety and risk management, Leave No Trace principles, water safety and rescue techniques!
What skills have you gained from this experience?
I’ve gained so much from this experience. I have not only learned what it means to be out in the field guiding but all the work that goes into it before getting out. Working in the office has showed me scheduling, facilitating the waiver process, payments, and how to pitch the right to tour for a certain clientele.