Eric P.: Emerging Leaders I, II, and III, Student Ambassador, Orientation Leader, and some enrichment options. Each step prepared me for the next and allowed me to learn useful skills that can be applied in real life situations.

Kyle B.: I was already an active leader in the Peer Mentor Program on campus when I heard about PEAK. I was able to complete the honors program and several volunteer enrichment activities such as Relay For Life in order to complete a Bronze Certification.

Leadership roles were already a big part of who I was at the time, and the PEAK program provided a formalized way to track, plan, and be recognized for the work I would normally be involved in. 

Kyle K:

• EL 1 (2005) and 2 (2006) participant
• Facilitator for EL 1 (2006), 2 (2007) and EL Sierra Nevada backpacking trip (2007)
• Leadershape participant (2006)
• Honors Forum student (2007)
• Mentor program. Mentor: Paul Dale - Dean of Student Services (2006-2007)

Eric P.: PEAK allowed me to become more confident, more outgoing, it improved my communication skills, and I learned about how leadership is more of a learning process rather than a position. Because of PEAK I felt more connected with campus and enjoyed coming to school. PEAK motivated me to succeed. I set out to get a 3.0 GPA and was able to achieve a 3.6 GPA at PVCC and a 3.9 with NAU. PEAK also provided the opportunity to meet a lot of interesting people that I probably never would have met if I hadn’t participated in the program. Though PEAK, I was able to gain valuable transferable skills I can apply in a job while connecting with my campus, making new friends and having an enjoyable college experience.

Kyle B.: PEAK allowed me to direct my energy specifically toward campus life instead of random community events. This definitely helped to make me an active leader among my peers as opposed to being another "helicopter student" who was only present on campus for classes. 

Kyle K.: One huge way PEAK has impacted my life was sparking my love for the outdoors. Attending EL 2 in the Spring of 2006 opened my eyes to the awesomeness and simplicity of backpacking. I bought my very first (and only) pair of hiking shoes prior to the EL 2 backpacking trip for $9 on clearance at JC Penney (using my employee discount), having no idea I would end up wearing the same pair throughout my entire 3 year experience of working for the University of Arizona Outdoor Adventure program.

When I transferred to the UA, I stumbled upon the Outdoor Adventures program at an "on-campus job fair". The student representative explained to me the program was looking for students with 1) a love for the outdoors 2) leadership/teaching experience and 3) the willingness to learn. SOLELY as a result going through the Emerging Leaders program, I could check off requirement #1 and #2. At my Outdoor Adventures interview, I talked a ton about my experiences as a participant and facilitator in Emerging Leaders. I also mentioned my EL 2 experience of being a 2-year entertainment chair for PVCC Relay for Life in which I helped raise thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society. I got the job at Outdoor Adventures, and it turned out to be the best part of attending the UA.

Emerging Leaders and PEAK definitely helped me develop as a leader and gave me a chest of leadership tools I used on every single Outdoor Adventures trip. Throwing around terms like "leadership skills" may sound cliché: specifically through PEAK, I developed public speaking skills, confidence, ethics/morals, my sense of citizenship, interpersonal skills, and self-awareness. Emerging Leaders also introduced me to "Leave No Trace", which through working at Outdoor Adventures I became a certified "Leave No Trace" trainer. PEAK and Emerging Leaders has had a huge positive impact on my life, and I would recommend it to any Puma.

Eric P.: Emerging Leaders III gave me the opportunity to apply what I learned in the tier 1 and 2 programs. EL III taught me about ways to give negative feedback in a way that doesn't demoralize a person. I am able to apply this feedback method in my current job.

Kyle B.: The Peer Mentor Program. It was through this program that I learned that much of leadership is centered-around listening instead of speaking. Peer mentoring taught me how to better understand my own personality as well as discern the personalities of others in order to communicate more effectively. Most of all, however, peer mentoring taught me that a true leader builds others up to eventually take their place as a leader and mentor to others.

Kyle K.: Emerging Leaders. See above.

Eric P.: While enrolled with NAU I was required to take a leadership course. When answering questions in class, my professor was impressed with the answers I gave.

Kyle B.: Yes, because others noticed a passion in me for my school and what it had to offer.

Kyle K.: CONFIDENCE! It's been the key to countless situations in my life.

Eric P.: My mentor pointed out opportunities for me. When I was interested in a health care career my mentor shared the different career paths with me. Overall my mentor provided guidance and support that helped me to succeed.

Kyle B.: Among the business of college life, it becomes almost a necessity to have someone keep you accountable for personal goals such as PEAK. My program advisor was able to keep me on the track to success for this goal where I may otherwise had reason to gave up on my own.

Kyle K.: Getting to sit down with the Dean of Students and have a real conversation is something only a handful of students get to do at ANY educational institution. This experience was very memorable, I still remember Paul telling me stories of some of his own personal outdoor adventures from when he lived in the Flagstaff area.

Eric P.: PEAK seems like a lot at first, but it works with your schedule. Don't take on to many PEAK programs at once. Work with your advisor to set up a schedule that works for you.

Kyle B.: Don't take the college experience for granted. You may not be a person who cares much about recognition, but pursue the experience for your own growth. You may actually not want to leave when you're finished...

Kyle K.: Step out of your comfort zone every once in a while. It's the most efficient way to truly grow as a person.

Eric P.: While interviewing for a job I discussed PEAK and the skills I learned form it. I saw the interviewer move my resume to the top of the pile of applicants’ resumes. The following week I received a call for the job. PEAK gives you the opportunity to stand out when applying for a job, and the skills necessary to succeed in a job.

Kyle B.: -

Kyle K.: I can't narrow it down to one reason. See above.

Eric P.: When working with clients sometimes they are stressed out because they lost their job and don't know what to do. Because of the communication skills I developed through PEAK I am able to calm the client down and effectively help them with their situation.

Kyle K.: I'd say showing other people the beauty of the great sport of wilderness backpacking has made a difference in people's lives. I've taken my little teenage brother and cousin on multiple backpacking trips and they really enjoy it. If it wasn't for PEAK, I may not be a backpacker today, and subsequently I wouldn't have passed on the gift to my brother and cousin. I feel this is an excellent activity for teens to fulfill their natural appetite for adventure, that doesn't involve silly things like drugs and crime. It is also is a great way to spend real time with people you love, and as a bonus in my case act as a role model.