Rob Anderson
Master Senior Field Guide
Joined Open Sky: January 2011
In Wilderness Therapy since: 2003
Interview with Rob
Q. If you were able to meet anyone (living or dead) who would it be and why?
A. Dalai Lama. I have this idea, or maybe hope, that he embodies enlightenment. I would like to spend time with him and observe, and perhaps take in a bit of his energy, aura. To grow by spiritual osmosis. At minimum, he is a very cool human and inspires me through his deeds in writing.
Q. What are a few of the defining moments in your life and why?
A. Wow what a question? Philosophically, the answer is the present moment. Developmentally are the moments we are most present for. The birth of my children locked me most vividly to the moment, and connectedly most deeply to the experience of being embodied and connected. Then getting divorced turned my life upside down and was devastating. However, it also lead to my rebirth and discovery of what I am about. It allowed to explore and find purpose, much of it from my experiences with wilderness therapy.
Q. Who has been your greatest inspiration and why?
A. 500 or so teenagers that I have had the joy of getting to know working in wilderness. Their struggles and growth have been mine as well. Their stories are rich tapestry of human experience from which continue to open my perspective on life through forgiveness, acceptance, and humility. I am inspired by their willingness to take on hard personal work.
Q. What are your unique gifts and/or experiences that help our students?
A. Compassion, acceptance and communication. I look for the person beneath their personality. I want nothing of others, I seek only to discover and know them. This allows teenagers to trust, which allows them to discover who they are, and begin sharing their talent. I guess my gift is helping others discover their gifts and celebrate those gifts.
Q. Why do you work in wilderness therapy?
A. Because I love it. I enjoy the simplicity, the community, and I get to be me. It is a rich experience, and I continue to grow personally.
Q. Why do you think wilderness therapy works?
A. It eliminates distractions and encourages honest and open relationships. It makes it difficult to avoid yourself by surrounding students with the mirrors of uncompromising nature and supportive well-trained staff.
Q. What do you think Open Sky students need?
A. A balance of challenge and support. Staff need to be receptive to student needs while also providing sufficient physical and emotional challenges to provide meaningful self discovery and growth.
Q. What do you like to do for fun when you aren't working in the field?
A. I enjoy reading, playing with friends, movies, bike riding, observing and communing. Having stimulating conversations.
Q. Anything else you want to tell us about yourself?
A. I really enjoy the human experience.
Professional Experience
Second Nature Blue Ridge
Field Staff
Odyssey Wilderness Program
Field Staff
Education
BS, Mechanical Engineering
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York
