From Jeannie:
On Wednesday, April 21, I joined ten 'Building Bridges' VISTA members and Tifani Erpelding, Project Coordinator, at the OSU Challenge Course for a day of team-building exercises. I had not even been in Oregon for a week and I was going to be climbing a telephone pole! It was only my third day in the new Leader position, so I was a little nervous about meeting everyone, especially during something I thought would require so much athletic ability.
One of the challenge exercises involved ten of us being blindfolded and coached by the two remaining VISTAs. Our task was to place a rope around a small can and move it to another location about 15 feet away. The two coaches had to describe the tools to us, and guide our steps to the goal. “Being blindfolded in order to move the bucket was difficult for me because I work best when I am able to see what needs to be done and what tools are available,” stated Tifani Erpelding. That information will be helpful for me as I work with Tifani through my service year.
Another exercise required all of us to move across three platforms, using three pieces of 2x4 wood of different lengths, none of which were long enough to fit between the platforms. Neither people nor wood were allowed to touch the ground. The team would be successful when all members were standing on the last platform, which measured less than three feet square. Clear communication and excellent balancing skills contributed to successful completion of this challenge.The most challenging exercise was climbing and belaying. Each person was outfitted with helmets and climbing harnesses so they could climb a telephone pole to belay down to waiting team members. Constant communication between climber and primary belay person, and careful watching of the primary belay person by other team members brings the climber down safely. Fear of heights did not stop anyone from attempting this exercise.
From Megan:
I didn't realize how scared I was until my feet left the ground. My hands didn't want to move as I climbed up the pole. I felt paralyzed. My heart started racing and my mouth went dry. I wanted to get down and quit. After watching everyone else gracefully cross the line and finish, it didn't seem to be like such a big deal. But now it was my turn. I had a team of 5 belaying me; with encouraging glances and persuading chants I couldn‟t bare the chance that I would be the one person who couldn't complete the challenge. I like to finish what I started, so especially now with everyone watching, I just had to do it.
As I stared at the other side, an easy task turned into new perspective on becoming focused to overcoming this challenge. Stepping away from the comfort of safety and onto the line, I expected to fall, but I didn't. I took a deep breath and one baby step at a time I finally made it to the other side. Needless to say I was relieved to get back on solid ground, but more importantly I was proud of myself for letting go and moving forward to attain my end goal.
‘Building Bridges’VISTA Members 2009-2010:
Linn County
Miao Zhao
Albany InReach Services
Hilary McAlister
CSC-Santiam Wilderness Academy
Melissa Clark
Linn County Sheriff‟s Department
Benton County
Rachel Karasick
CSC-Youth Garden Project
April Pritchard
CDDC-Project Action
Megan Czerny
CSC-Fund Development
Megan Tolley
Corvallis Environmental Center
Lincoln County
Kaija Daniel
Lincoln Commission on Children & Families
Linn & Benton Counties
Jenn Crist
Jackson Street Youth Shelter
Matt Walker
Linn Benton Housing Authority
Please check out the website for more information on CSC's Building Bridges AmeriCorps*VISTA program.
