Taking teamwork to new heights

Imagine standing on a log 40 feet above the ground, heart racing, palms sweaty. Across from you, your partner balances on another log. Together, you move toward a platform, steadying each other as logs diverge until slowly your fingertips are barely touching.

“It required a great deal of trust and perseverance,” said Dana McGuire, an academic advisor in the College of Natural Resources and Environment. “It would have been quite frightening if we hadn’t known the safety system would protect us if we fell, although it was still a bit nerve-wracking.”

That was one of the first challenges faced by faculty, student mentors, advisors, and first-year students from the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials during a visit to the Virginia Tech Challenge Course in October. The goal: strengthen leadership and collaboration through team-building activities.

Operated by Venture Out in Recreational Sports, a division of Student Affairs, the Challenge Course is a high ropes experience that requires participants to work together to overcome obstacles and fears. Safety harnesses keep participants secure, but success depends on teamwork.

Assistant Professor Kiara Winans said the experience reinforced the college's emphasis on experiential learning and early engagement.

“The activities pushed us to try things we may not have initially felt capable of doing, step into leadership roles, and rely on our peers – skills we continue to develop throughout our experiential learning courses,” Winans said.

The day began with icebreakers to help new students connect with upperclassmen mentors. Building trust in a collaborative setting lays the foundation for future academic support.

Professor Maren Roman agreed.

“Doing this together with the students was the most rewarding aspect of the experience,” she said. “Forcing everyone outside their comfort zone brought us closer together. We even had a little team challenge for which we had to collaborate to accomplish the task. It was fun leveling the playing field for a day.”

First-year student Maxxe Rice said the experience strengthened relationships.

“I think the wonderful experience helped the students and staff get to know each other more and build trust with one another to have healthy relationships,” Rice said. “Being put in an uncomfortable place for some where others were more comfortable fostered an environment where everyone was working together and being encouraging.”

McGuire said the program succeeded in teaching collaboration.

“Throughout the program, we participated in a series of activities that required us to place trust in one another and rely on each other for support,” she said. “Many of the challenges were difficult, and each of us had moments where we had to step outside our comfort zones. That can feel especially vulnerable when you’re working with people you’re only just beginning to know.”

Rice added that the lessons extend beyond the ropes course.

“The encouragement and teamwork translates into the classroom, having a strong relationship with one's peers and teachers that helps foster growth and learning,” she said.

Winans said this was the first time a group from sustainable biomaterials tackled the Challenge Course, but the positive results make it worth repeating.