Seven questions with Liz Marr.
What is your role at HIOBS?
I am a course director and instructor. I have instructed wilderness semesters for adults, and short programs for youth (5-22 days). I have also worked with professional groups.
How did you decide to work for the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School?
In college I was an active member of Colgate University’s Outdoor Education Staff, which led me to learn about HIOBS. I thought HIOBS sounded like an amazing program and the perfect job. I’m so happy I made the decision to work here; I finished my seventh summer season with HIOBS in 2013.
What do you like best about working for HIOBS?
I love watching students become skilled in things that were initially foreign and challenging. I also like seeing a student’s personal insights develop—solo and evening meetings or even games can be a great opportunity for people to learn about themselves. The HIOBS course area is also really amazing. Maine’s wilderness is rugged and unique, and it inspires a sense of wonder and appreciation.
What is your favorite or funniest HIOBS memory?
One of my favorite memories is waking up early for an alpine start and watching the group get out of camp right on time and have a successful summit (in the dark!) of our first mountain of the day, Sunday River Whitecap. We had at least an hour of fantastic stargazing before the sun started to creep up and we were rewarded yet again—this time with a beautiful sunrise. We ate breakfast while watching the sunrise. Granola always tastes better on top of a mountain!
Choose one word to sum up HIOBS.
Inspirational.
When you are not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
I am learning how to grow vegetables. I really enjoy blackberry picking and apple picking. I like watching documentaries and enjoy hiking and being on or in the water. I love experimenting with recipes, too.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I grew up in Hawaii but I am not a surfer. I do love the ocean, though! Growing up I spent a lot of time paddling outrigger canoes. I competed in Hawaii’s first and second annual high school state competitions. Also, I am proficient in conversational Turkish; I studied abroad in Turkey for six months and minored in Middle Eastern studies.