Article by Alex Hart
This summer, the Adams State University Adventure Program was named the Top Adventure School by the online magazine, Elevation Outdoors. But students involved in the program could have told you about its importance in their academic career long before the honor.
Nicolas Jauregui, originally from California, joined the Adams State Adventure Program (ASAP) after becoming curious about the program while working in Student Life. Once he decided to join the program he had to complete a fourteen-day backpacking trip, a prerequisite to being accepted into ASAP.
A major in human performance and physical education with minors in business management and adventure program leadership, Jauregui came to Adams State for cross country. "I transferred from junior college in California and I came here because I just wanted to do my best and get really good at running." His connection with ASAP keeps him in good shape.
ASAP focuses on remaining healthy, providing opportunities, building meaningful relationships and changing people’s lives through outdoor adventures and experiences. "I feel like it has improved my educational skills as well as some of my leadership skills as well as just making me a better person overall," Jauregui said.
As for the future, Jauregui believes his biggest takeaway from the ASAP program could be the leadership skills he would gain including "leading groups as well as communication skills." He believes these acquired skills will help him in his career plans as well. "My goal is to be a university coach so I feel like this will definitely give me the skills to be a leader, to guide people and to help them get better."
For Jauregui, joining the adventure program encouraged him to try new things. "If you want to get outdoors, learn new skills and have fun, then ASAP is the place for you." He encourages incoming freshman to "use your first year free, get on to the rock wall, go on trips with us and if you really like it, if you want to get paid and get experience with that, ASAP is the program for you."
