Meet the Trip Leaders

Courtney Smith

Class: Senior
Major: Psychology
Favorite thing about Boone: Farmer's Market, the seasons, local restaurants (there are a few tasty staples), and the close proximity to some amazing outdoor adventure areas
Perfect day: Frolicking through the woods...
Excited about: meeting the incoming Appalachian class and introducing them to their new backyard!
ASU contact: ss68801@appstate.edu

Tiana Perry

Class: Junior
Major: Recreation Management
Favorite thing about Boone: The friendly, welcoming people that make it such an amazing environment to be a part of!
Perfect day: Waking up at a campsite and setting up rock climbing routes for my friends and me to climb. Our day would end with watching the sun set over the mountain tops.
Excited about: Being involved with such an awesome program that combines a wilderness experience, meeting fellow classmates, and the ability to learn amazing attributes about yourself. I hope to be an inspiring leader for First Ascent participants and to provide them with an experience they won’t forget.
ASU contact: perrytb@appstate.edu

Aaron Headen

Class: Senior
Major: Geography
Favorite thing about Boone:
Perfect day:
Excited about:
ASU contact: ah74602@appstate.edu

Nick Walter

Class: Senior
Major: Biology
Favorite thing about Boone: The fact that a lot of people say it is boring, but when I look outside I am overwhelmed with stuff to do.
Perfect day: Would start with being able to wake up around 6 and having a large breakfast prepared for me. About an hour later I would drive out to some local crag and climb all day. If it was my perfect day I would probably on-sight my first 5.12, and at the top enjoy a big ol’ sandwich. I would then rappel down said mountain only to be met by some of my friends who were paddling a river at the bottom who happened to have gear for me to paddle. We would then somehow make it back home in time to grill and enjoy a delicious hamburger. I would enjoy the rest of my day relaxing with some good friends, and playing music around a fire. The stars would probably really look cool that night, and I would pass out in my hammock.
Excited about: I am excited about getting people into the woods and showing them why our college was the best choice they could have made. I hope to impart any bit of knowledge that I may have that will help make college smooth, easy, and exciting. I will also be able to contribute my knowledge of nature and why it is so awesome.
ASU contact: nw76557@appstate.edu

Carl Buch