Freshmen Fellow Retreat!

Post by Alli Peipert (Class of 2017)

One of the activities I had the privilege to take part in upon first becoming a Shucker Fellow was the day trip to UNC- Charlotte’s Venture recreation program. Initially, I had no idea what to expect. I had only met many of the other fellows briefly and rumors of a high ropes course were going around. I was both excited and nervous as we arrived and were split into groups. Throughout the morning, our groups focused on team tasks that made us aware of our individual leadership styles, strengths, and allowed us to get to know each other.

Needless to say, by lunch, all my nervousness has passed—but not for long! Upon laying eyes on the high ropes course, our task for the afternoon, I instantly began to feel nervous once again. For this section, we were split into groups of four and would need to use and help each other in order to complete the course.

Initially, I was dead set on only completing the fist  part—the one closest to the ground. But after finishing each section, my team members would use constant encouragement to get me to take one more step, reach a little bit further, and, eventually, reach the end—a zip line down to the ground. Despite the anxious laughter, fear, and the occasional tear, I never thought that I would—or even could—make it to the top of that ropes course. But with the help of three fantastic partners and the overall encouragement from the group, we made it happen.