Emily Rolando
Senior Field Guide
Joined Open Sky: January 2010
In Wilderness Therapy since: 2010
Interview with Emily
March 2010
Q: If you were able to meet anyone (living or dead), who would it be and why?
A: I don't have one specific person in mind, more a type of person that if I could, I'd be honored to meet. The type of person I'd like to spend time with would be someone with a simple, rich wisdom, and perspective regarding the world, life and its purpose, relationships - someone who embodies this throughout their daily existence. People like Buddha, Mother Teresa, Eckhart Tolle, etc...could be examples although I am sure there are many other people like this whom I'd be very lucky to spend time with.
Q: What are a few of the defining moments in your life and why?
A: When I was 19, I decided to do a solo through-hike of the Long Trail. The trail is about 273 miles long. It starts at the MA/VT border and travels north through and over the Green Mountains to the Canadian border. I had back-country, hiking, and camping experience under my belt at that point, but I'd never done a solo trip and the through-hike experience was a bit new. I was having a really tough time in my life at that point, and the years previous and the hike experience literally hiked me through and out of it. It was a pivot point for me and my life. I turned 20 on the trail and accomplishing the whole thing through blisters, sore knees, new people, miles upon miles, hours of silent hiking, planning, sunny days and rainy ones, etc...was a great thing for me. It gave me the courage to continue living my dreams, through the tough spots, one day at a time. During college, I spent a year abroad in New Zealand and the whole experience full with new friends, challenging and different academics, beautiful places, difficult roommates, lots of hiking, some solo traveling and WWOOFing and a new culture has had an impact on me as well and I am really glad I did it.
Q: Who has been your greatest inspiration and why?
A: I am a little sorry to say no one particular person. I have had several people whom I have admired, looked up to, and have served as inspiration for me over the years but no one stands out in particular at this time. One of the most important people in my life who has helped me be the person I am today and whom I am eternally grateful for is my mom. She is very special to me and has, and continues to, be a very important figure in my life.
Q: What are your unique gifts and/or experiences that help our students?
A: I have had a lot of life experiences, which I believe enable me to relate to many of the components of what the students are going through. For example, I have some learning disabilities and it was a really big part of my life while I was in school working with these and learning about them and myself. Through my various life experiences, I believe I have developed an ability to think outside of the box, a sense of curiosity and wonder at how and why things work and don't. I think of myself as a kind, caring, compassionate person, who can also be firm and hold strong to what I believe in. I am a hard worker and take my responsibilities seriously and I think this is good to role model to students.
Q: Why do you work in wilderness therapy?
A: I work in wilderness therapy because I believe in the power of living simply outdoors, eating healthy food, being active and moving our bodies and the opportunities for learning living in small groups provides. Living in this way slows things down in some ways and in a sense lets those who might be overstimulated for various reasons in their former living situation recalibrate and, therefore, find it easier to discover their true inner self, inner light, and potential. I think there is a lot everyone can learn from outdoor experiences and I am excited to mentor others in their process and continually challenge myself and grow on my own path as well. My own experiences outdoors have been very important to me and I want to pass this on while continuing to keep it as part of my life. I find the relationships built and the way of life while living outdoors and in wilderness feels healthy, real, and full of growth potential. Wilderness therapy to me provides a more holistic and multidimensional form of therapy than traditional therapies since one is simultaneously working on therapeutic goals and simply living in community.
Q: Why do you think wilderness therapy works?
A: I think wilderness therapy works because it addresses the whole person. It does this in a way that no other method I have seen does. Students come and live with themselves and others for weeks at a time and are given many, many opportunities to work with their challenges and strengths in multiple contexts. They do this with the support of others who are involved and know what they are working on. There is also ample challenge. Living in the wilderness is simple and powerful. Many agree on the benefits one can collect from time outdoors. It also provides opportunities for the strengthening of self-efficacy - the belief in one's abilities. Overall, I think the ability to touch upon so many aspects of the individual sets wilderness therapy apart especially in its efficacy and impact on the participants. I also believe the opportunity to work with families and the family system is a very important component of long-term success.
Q: What do you think Open Sky students need?
A: I think Open Sky students need unconditional love, acceptance, and support for who they truly are while boundaries and structure is maintained. I think they need time and space to work on and discover their inner light and potential and to realize for themselves why this is important for them to find and work towards. I think they also need a healthy, stable, place to live and be while they work on their life and relationship skills.
Q: What do you like to do for fun when you aren’t working in the field?
A: I love to be active, so, running, hiking and backpacking, yoga, strength training, paddling, biking, skiing, etc... are all things I regularly incorporate into my daily life. I also find great satisfaction in connecting with people and am continually working on meeting up with and finding people to spend time with. My family is also important to me and I spend time with them or talk with them on the phone. I like to travel and go on adventures and off shifts are good times to do this. Cooking and eating well is also something I enjoy so I make time to do this. Reading a good book or listening to one on tape also often helps to fuel my thirst for continued learning.
Q: Anything else you want to tell us about yourself?
A: I cant think of anything at the moment.
Professional Experience
Prescott College Wilderness Orientation, Prescott, Arizona
Field Instructor
WWOOFING (Willing Workers on Organic Farms), New Zealand
Gardening and Landscaping, New Zealand
Adventure Treks, Flat Rock, North Carolina
Instructor
Armstrong Ambulance, Arlington, Massachusetts
EMT-Basic
Education
Enrolled
Prescott College, Prescott, Arizona
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-Basic)
Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
Basic Meditation training
