An interview with Sarah Chesnutt – the new staffing manager at HIOBS.
How did you learn about the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School?
I first learned of HIOBS while looking for an Outward Bound semester course while in graduate school. I was able to take an OB course in place of my thesis but it needed to have an education emphasis. I looked at courses all over the country and discovered HIOBS as well as the other OB USA charters. It wasn’t until I was an instructor at NCOBS that I learned even more about HIOBS and the rich history of the school.
What is your role at HIOBS?
I am the newest Staffing Manager for HIOBS. I have held other roles across the OB system. I’ve been a semester student in the North Cascades, a logistician in Mazama (both in Washington), and a Lead Instructor and Course Director for NCOBS. My work at NCOBS has taken me from the mountains to the coast of North Carolina, as well as one of the most magical places on Earth….The Everglades.
What do you like best about working for Outward Bound?
What I love the best about working for Outward Bound is the opportunity to work with our students. I never cease to be amazed by the growth and transformation of students from course start to course end.
What is your favorite or funniest Outward Bound memory?
I’ve had a lot of incredible memories during my time with Outward Bound. But my favorite memory actually comes from my time as a student.This was during the mountaineering phase of our semester and we were eating a lot and had run out of food. Our Patrol had split into two groups, one hiking out to carry in the resupply and the other was hanging back just waiting for their return…hungry. There were three of us and one of our instructors just hanging out on top of a large boulder in the sun listening to the low rumbles in our stomachs. Suddenly our instructor had a “great” idea! He began throwing everything out of his backpack, finally unearthing his dingy yellow food bag. He shook it vigorously emptying the contents on the boulder. He quickly began putting together, what in his mind was, a feast. A few minutes later he reached out his arms and handed us our lunch…..a block of semi firm tofu topped with a quarter of an onion and drizzled with honey. We laughed so hard we almost dropped of culinary delicatessens. The immense amount of laughter and ridiculousness made it easier to swallow, and imagine our delight when the rest of our patrol returned with fresh baked cookies.
Choose one word to sum up HIOBS.
Welcoming.
When you are not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
If there is snow on the ground, skiing! If the water is running, paddling! I enjoy both downhill and cross country skiing. When I’m paddling I prefer an open boat.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I’m from Alabama!