Michelle Song
Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members and volunteers. For our volunteer profile this week we talked to...
Name: Juliet Liu
Branch: Seattle
How long have you been volunteering with The Mountaineers? 6 years
What activities do you participate in with The Mountaineers? Mainly climbing and scrambling but I have enjoyed other activities ranging from leadership workshops to Meany Mushroom Weekend.
VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP QUESTIONS
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO VOLUNTEER WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
My first class with The Mountaineers was Wilderness Navigation, and from my fellow students I learned about the Alpine Scrambling Class. From there, I just kept learning more and more. Initially, I did not even know enough about trad climbing to be interested in it, and now it is one of the activities that I love, in addition to spending time with fellow Mountaineers and being in so many environments from sage brush and oak to the Puget Sound. So many Mountaineers have mentored me and become friends, especially Doug Payne, Ian Dickson, and Steph and Jeff Hunt. I am also grateful for the Alpine Ambassadors and encourage people to apply! I would like to pay it forward, and it is so much fun to see people enthusiastic and happy about learning outdoor skills.
WHAT IS THE BEST, FAVORITE, OR MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE YOU'VE HAD WITH THE CLUB?
I don't have one favorite experience. Just many moments of fun carpooling with people, soaking up the sun at the crag, climbing, being in the flow of the climb with my climbing partner, the crunching sound of cramponing up a glacier very early in the morning, etc., etc.
HOW HAS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE EVOLVED AS YOU'VE GAINED EXPERIENCE?
I've learned not to assume and to be more structured.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU DO ON TRIPS TO CREATE AN INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE FOR PEOPLE OF ALL SKILLS AND BACKGROUNDS?
I try to help create an environment where each person is seen as an individual with their unique background, learning style, pace, risk tolerance, and goals.
WHAT DO YOU WISH OTHER MEMBERS KNEW ABOUT VOLUNTEERING WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
It's so refreshing to see people excited about learning and their personal satisfaction when it all comes together and they realize they have learned a new skill!
WHAT IS ONE SURPRISING THING YOU'VE LEARNED OR GAINED THROUGH VOLUNTEERING WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I am impressed by how much The Mountaineers is invested in leadership development and makes the leadership courses free to Mountaineers members. I have learned so much through the leadership courses, especially the feedback and conflict management courses.
LIGHTNING ROUND
What's your favorite close-to-home adventure? Mt. Erie
What 11th Essential do you bring on most trips? Hand warmers on cold trips!
NOMINATE YOURSELF FOR MOUNTAINEER OF THE WEEK
Mountaineers volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, varying widely in age, outdoor experience, and length of time involved in The Mountaineers. Part of what makes our community so unique is the broad diversity of our leadership, and we hope these weekly features highlight how our trip leaders, course instructors, and committee and branch officers support our community. We are always seeking self-nominations for our Mountaineer of the Week, and we invite you to share your story. Trust us, we want to hear from you!
If you’re a leader (or want to nominate a leader to spotlight), send an email to Michelle Song to make a recommendation.
