OEL Spotlight: Cat Bianco

Name: Catherine Bianco
Major: Biology/Pre-Med/Minor in Spanish
Class Year: 2016
Role in Outdoor Education: I am a 3 year Buckwild leader. I led a Basecamp trip, a paddling trip, and an Ohiopyle trip. I am also a student manager for the ropes course out at Cowan, and I work as a lead facilitator for the course.
Favorite Outdoor Activity/Trip: My favorite outdoor activity would have to be paddling. There's nothing better than floating down a river on a clear, sunny day.

Tell us 3 interesting things about yourself: The first thing is not really about me, but I have a grandmother who is 103 years old. People never believe me, but it's true. I am currently learning to play the ukulele. It's a slow process. I also have a titanium screw in my right knee due to an ACL reconstruction.

What are you involved in on campus?: Well, OEL plays a big part in my campus involvement, but I am also part of the Rotaract Club. It is a service-based club that partners with local Rotary Clubs on various community service projects. I am also a CAP Center Student Ambassador, so I work in the CAP Center and help with the daily projects that come up. I also dabble in intramural sports.

What inspired you to get involved in Outdoor Education?: I came into college with the goal of pushing my comfort zone. I started by signing up for a Buckwild trip. I had never really gone camping prior to the trip, so I was definitely trying something new. I absolutely loved it! The people I met on that trip made me feel so welcome and comfortable that I wanted to provide the same experience for someone else. I wanted to be part of a program that was going to push me beyond my limits in a fun and exciting way.

What is your favorite story or memory of an OEL trip?: Oh, there are tons of memories. I'd have to say that this memory is a bit sentimental and it occurred at the "end-of-Buckwild" fiesta this past year. The song "Wagon Wheel" (or was it "Chicken Fried?" I don't know, they are pretty similar) was playing, and a bunch of the leaders and participants got in a big circle with their arms around each other. Everyone was singing and swaying to the music, and it hit me that I was part of something much bigger than I thought. Over the past 4-ish years, I didn't only develop as a leader and make great friends, but I became part of a family. As I swayed to the music, I couldn't help but get a little sad because that would be the last time we would all be together after such an experience. I look back on that moment knowing that even though that part of my Bucknell experience is over, I have gained a network of friends that will last a lifetime.

How has OEL impacted your Bucknell experience?: (Read above-just kidding). Besides the connections I have made, OEL has forced me to become a stronger, more confident person both academically and personally. It has allowed for some immense personal development that I would not have believed was possible. OEL has also provided me with an incredible support system; we all have each other's backs. Most importantly, OEL has given me the tools to help me succeed in the real world.