NAVIGATOR NATION

IN THIS ISSUE

Topic Page Number

October Events 3-4

Study Abroad 5-6

All About Faculty 7

Orientation Wrap-Up 8

Keep It Local 9

Navigator Nation is a publication created by the Peer Advisory CommitteE (PACE). This monthly publication can be found on our website at nau.edu/atp.

Have content ideas? Email them to Michelle.Gardner@nau.edu

Graphics & Design- Michelle Gardner

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NAVIGATING OCTOBERThis month we were able to share in many meaningful moments together as we connected to Flagstaff, our first-year students and each other. Check out what all we accomplished outside of the classroom and coaching appointments this month!

Relaxing In The Aspens:We kicked off October with our first event: Relaxing In The Aspens on October 14th. ATP staff carpooled in two cars to beautiful Hart Prairie for fun activities and stress free living! Once we got there, we hung our hammocks and spent a couple hours building rapport and getting to know our staff better. ATP already provides such a great and safe community but this event allowed staff to get to know each other more while destressing and enjoying one of the beautiful sights Flagstaff has to offer.

ATP Homecoming Tailgate:We kicked off Homecoming weekend with our Peer Navigator Tailgate on October 15th. This event was the VERY FIRST ATP event where we invited our students from all sections including first-year students and back-on-track students to join us!! This event was a great time to build community and share what ATP is about outside of the classroom with our students. In addition to the free food and corn hole, the company was the greatest success. We had ATP staff, current students, and former students stop by. Although this event was a success, PACE is already working on things we can do differently next time as far as ways to market and encourage our students to come. We are already looking forward to cheering on our Lumberjacks next year with our staff, incoming blues, and the next group of amazing students.

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By Gabriella Giambanco

NAVIGATING OCTOBER

AfterHours with ATP:On October 28th five of your Peer Navigators dressed up in costumes and gathered for AfterHours, a fun and safe night painting pumpkins. AfterHours is such an awesome and safe alternative to have fun on a Friday night. This was an event we encouraged our students to go to in order build connections to the NAU community and have fun!

Halloween Spooktacular:We ended our October events with a bang- our first ever Halloween Spooktacular on October 31st. To the ATP community this event was so much more than a Halloween event with costumes, games, and candy. It was about coming together as a family and having a good time. It was a great way to wrap up the semester and give the

Peer Navigators some energy to finish strong. Shout out to the seven dwarves for making their mark by taking the best overall costume and most importantly shout out to all of our Peer Navigators because this event and program wouldn’t be possible without you and we are so thankful for all that you do.

Have an intentional event idea you would like PACE to plan? Let us know! We are planning Spring 2017 and

excited to include your ideas!

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Studying abroad is one of the most impactful experiences a college student can pursue. As students of NAU we have the option to

study abroad in dozens of countries around the world. Not only does one immerse themselves in the academics of their host university, but also the culture of the region, the food of the country, and the amazing sights. ATP has seen many students study abroad and return to their roles of navigating their peers. These students have become global citizens with a greater understanding of the world and have gained immense transferable skills which they can apply to their instructing and coaching roles. One student who has studied abroad and returned to ATP is Senior, Krista Orlebeck. Krista studied International Hospitality Management at the International School of Bad Honnef in Bad Honnef, Germany. Initially, Krista had never thought of studying abroad in Germany, but realized that the International School of Bad Honnef allowed her to take as many transferable courses as possible. However, this is not to say Krista did not fall in love with Germany, but quite the opposite. Krista

had always wanted to study abroad and Germany turned out to be the best choice she could have made. Krista credits her marketability for foreign careers in the hospitality field to have increased immensely due to having this education under her belt. For example, Krista recently applied for a cruise liner position, and feels her time in Germany gave her a step up in the process and assisted her in relating her experience of working with international students at NAU to the work she would be doing on the cruise liner. Since having returned to the U.S., and ATP specifically, Krista now has a different perspective on what is important in college. She is adamant in relaying to her students how important it is to do an internship or study abroad seeing as she finds that it makes the overall college experience far more enriching. When asked if she would recommend studying abroad, Krista stated, “100% yes! The people you meet are so down to Earth and the places you’ve seen on TV or in movies are right in your back yard. Overall, being a global person makes you more well-rounded.” Another student who has gone abroad during their time with ATP is Junior, Hayley Fester. Hayley studied Film, Television, and Music Production in the town of Brighton, in the United Kingdom. From the beginning, Hayley knew she wanted to speak in an English speaking country and the UK just so happened to be the most affordable option for her. However, Brighton did not come so easily. Hayley put time and effort into studying the various schools NAU has partnerships with in the UK, and finally settled on the University of Brighton. Hayley considers studying abroad to have

NAVIGATORS GO ABROAD

THIS ARTICLE CONTINUES ON PAGE 65

By Nemanja Demic

NAVIGATORS GO ABROAD

impacted her college career in so many ways. First, Hayley feels far more prepared as a student, and increasingly more knowledgeable on worldly matters. Furthermore, Hayley considers the UK to have affirmed and questioned some of her strength and confidence level in her actions, which has allowed her to grow as a person. More so, Hayley finds that studying abroad has made her a better coach, because it has given her a greater understanding of empathy and confidence. Hayley understands the importance these traits have in all relationships, personal and professional. When asked if Hayley would

recommend studying abroad, she exclaimed, “It is an experience like no other and you learn more than you think you will and more than you can ever explain in words. Please, at least look at the programs available online. Chances are there is at least one program that would work for your current class position.” There are so many study abroad options available, from one semester, yearlong, and even summer and winter break options. The study abroad advisors within the Center for International Education are more than willing to meet with students curious about studying abroad to discuss the available options. For more information, please visit: edabroad.nau.edu.

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Name: Melissa Westover

Position/ Role in ATP: Lecturer

Why did you choose to work at ATP? My passion is helping people pursue their goals in life. Education opens many doors for people. My goal through my career is to help, influence and encourage as many people as I can in their pursuit of education and their dreams.

What do you think your biggest contribution to ATP has been so far? Every semester I have the same goal. I want the students in my classes to know they are an important member to our learning community. I want to help students create solid connections and friendships in their NAU 120 and 130 classes so that when the class ends, the

students have created a stronger support network than what they had when they entered my class.

Where did you go to college? I am a Lumberjack through and through. I graduated with both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees from NAU. Go Jacks!!

What was your major in college? My major for my undergraduate degree was Social Studies and History Education. I focused on Educational Leadership in Higher Education during graduate school.

Interesting fact about yourself. I have only ever lived in Casa Grande or Flagstaff. In fact, I was born in the same hospital as my mom.

Favorite Quote. "Try not to be a man of success, but rather a man a value." Albert Einstein

Favorite song at the moment. My favorite song has not changed since high school, Yellow Ledbetter by Pearl Jam.

Name: Cassie Koldenhoven

Position/Role in ATP: I serve as the Program Coordinator assigned to NAU 100 and the Peer Instructors.

Why did you choose to work with ATP? ATP aligns very much with my own mission. When I was in college, I had a very difficult time. Along my journey, I discovered this world called “Student Affairs” and found out that I could have a career dedicated to helping students! I want to be sure that the students I encounter have a better experience in college than I had.

What do you think your biggest contribution to ATP has been so far? My biggest contribution to ATP so far has been to help build a community among the Peer Instructors.Where did you go to college? I did my undergrad at Calvin College and majored in history, minored in archaeology. I got

my master’s in Education Leadership from NAU.

Interesting fact about yourself. I’ve held an actual shrunken head. The cultures that practiced this ritual had the process so perfected, you get a pretty good sense of what the person looked like before they died.

Favorite quote. “Fame, shame, loss, gain, pleasure and pain are all transient experiences, not attributes of self” – Stahl & Flowers

Favorite song at the moment. Any song from Halestorm is always a favorite!

MEET YOUR ATP STAFF

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By Alex Erickson

The Peer Navigator Orientation, which took place on November 13th

and 16th, was a day filled with a lot of hellos, a few goodbyes, and a presentation of new colors! After some mingling and a couple very fun icebreakers, the PN orientation was filled with the meeting of our staff, some debunking of common ATP myths, and some very informative table rotations. We ended our time together welcoming the new blues and appreciating our returners with the presentation of our traditional U rocks. This year we were so excited to present, for the first time, the prestigious platinum rock to our peer navigators who have moved through all the colors and are staying with us for an additional year.

We are so excited for the future of ATP and to see what this new group of blues can bring to the table and to see are new sages, golds, and platinums continue to “rock” it!

MARK MAKERS IN FORMATION8

By Kaley Brown

These four little pun-containing rocks hold the most

sentimental value of anything I've been given in college. I received the first one (blue) as a freshman

as my welcome gift to the Academic Transition Programs. All I knew when I got it was that I was going to be helping first year students transition. I never imagined how much this department would help

foster my own personal growth and support my development as I navigated the collegiate waters as well. I squeeled when I got my sage one as a sophomore, danced when I got my gold one as a

junior and couldn't even speak so I cried instead when I received my platinum one as a senior. ATP, you have grown me from a shy, unconfident, anxious 18 year old into a grown woman who loves public speaking, now loves the skin she is in, and ready to take on a career dedicated to helping others. I am forever grateful for all you have given me (including these rocks!) and I am proud of the mark I've made as a Peer Navigator.- Contributed by Rachel Gassdorf

Shopping local, eating local, living local. Flagstaff is overflowing with local spots to eat and shop, and living a local lifestyle is what sustains this city. Each dollar that you spend at independent businesses returns three-times more money to the local economy than one spent at a chain. More so, spending locally generates lasting impact on the prosperity of local organizations and residents. Finally, local ownership of business means residents with roots in the community are involved in key development decisions that share our lives and local environment. Here are 5 local spots here in Flagstaff that would a great start to your local shopping adventure. The first place to shop local in Flagstaff is Fizzy Bella Bath Boutique on N. Leroux Street. Fizzy Bella is committed to making the highest quality, all natural products possible. From bath fizzies and whipped body butters, to vegan lip balms and organic sugar scrubs, these luxurious items are guaranteed to please during the holiday season, as birthday gifts, or maybe a selfish moment of self-indulgence. Every item is made with essential oils, never artificial fragrances. More so, the items are certified cruelty-free by PETA, and each month the boutique donates a portion of their profits to a local charity. The store management swear that they only make products they use in their homes, and on their families. If it is not safe for their family, it is not good enough for ours. The next stop on our local shopping adventure is the Toasted Owl on Mikes Pike for a quick bite to eat. The Toasted Owl is a small, family-owned and operated café located in the historic district of downtown. The shop itself is fairly new to the city, however, the family has been in the restaurant business for over 30 years! The family hopes to create a warm, welcoming,

and kind dining experience for all Flagstaff patrons. If you go for breakfast, try the vegan burrito! It is over flowing with tepa, potatoes, kale, and avocado! Now, let’s head on over to the Flagstaff General Store, a modern take on the general stores of yesterday. The Flagstaff General Store is located off of Highway 89, and is host to just about anything and everything. The store currently carries 32 local artists, in various mediums from stained glass to jewelry, and even baked goods. More so, the store carries a large selection of locally brewed beers and wine. If you get the urge to be creative while in the shop, they also carry the full line Annie Sloan Chalk Paint brushes, paints, and fabric. With the holidays around the corner, and prom and wedding season following shortly after, you might find yourself in the market for a photographer. Well, Flagstaff has just the place for you, Heather Kadar Photography. They are a husband/wife photography team with over 25 years of combined experience in weddings, portraits, and everyday life. Not located in Flagstaff or are hoping to have your photos taken elsewhere? Do not worry, they still have you covered! The couple goes throughout

Northern Arizona, including Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Prescott, and lake Powell! The final stop on our local adventure is going to be Mountain Sports, because let’s face it, we live in one of the more adventurous parts of the state. Mountain Sports is a one-stop-shop for all things hiking, running, camping, even Frisbee! However, Mountain Sports is far more than just an outdoor stop, it is also a gathering spot open to the community, for locals and travelers alike. The shop hosts many celebrations for friends, neighbors, and customers. The shop has been in business for 43 years and will continue to serve the local, adventurous lifestyle. As much as shopping at these locations will build our local economy and heighten the Flagstaff sense of democracy, it also builds community. Casual encounters we enjoy at neighborhood favorites builds relationships and community cohesiveness. Finally, there is no other city quite like Flagstaff and a huge portion of what makes this city so special is the independent businesses. Maintain the sense of self that Flagstaff maintains, shop local! For more local favorites, go to: localfirstaz.com.

KEEP IT LOCAL

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By Nemanja Demic