Heights and Flowing Water, The Warriors Enjoy Another Colorado Sunset
26th July 2024
Durango, CO – Through a collaborative effort, Diné College’s First Year Experience, Peer Mentor and Student Wellness Programs took 22 Warriors on the 2024 Summer Institute (SI) Close-Out Trip to Durango, CO. Of the 22 Warriors, 16 were SI students and 6 were student mentors. The SI Program is a college transition program that is specially designed to create and improve avenues of success, enhance life skills and create social opportunities for newly accepted Diné College freshmen. During this Durango excursion, the Warriors river rafted for the first time, climbed new heights and camped under the night sky lit by their grandmother moon. New to college life, the students learned the truest aspect of “conquering fear to be resilient”. The trip was a celebratory effort that allowed the students to socialize through nature, learn new skills and adapt to challenges.
“This weekend was a thrilling blend of adventure and connection with nature. River rafting was thrilling with the combination of excitement of the rapids, and the peacefulness of the calm water. Camping provided a serene escape and a chance to unwind under the stars. Rock climbing combined physical endurance with testing levels of trust, while rewarding me with a profound sense of accomplishment”. – LiTegrah Wilson, First Year Experience Specialist. This Summer , Diné College’s Student Wellness Program initiated the Outdoor Adventures Project, that took more than 45 students on summer related excursions to the Grand Canyon, Durango, Moab and Sedona. Coming together as one, Summer Institute and the Outdoor Adventures Project created a holistic vision that empowered student resiliency, success and happiness. ‘
“It was great seeing our students become closer and stronger together. Our future as Diné people depends on traditional knowledge and cohesion amongst our future generations. The best place to practice such an effort is in nature. We need to return to our roots sometimes in order to grow. The students grew this weekend”. – Warrior Brown, Student Wellness Manager
