Land & Environment

QCNR Valedictorian Naomi Orchard on the Siren Call of the River

By Lael Gilbert |

QCNR valedictorian Naomi Orchard adopts a strategy of determined exploration to gain a better understanding the natural world, and then works to create inclusive space for others to do the same.

Naomi Orchard is drawn to the water — it is in her blood, so to speak.

Both of her parents graduated from the Quinney College of Natural Resources. Her dad worked and rowed for Colorado River expert Jack Schmidt, and her mom was a Quinney Scholar who studied Recreation Resource Management back in the day. Orchard, too, worked as a river guide for four years, and calls the heart-thudding rapids of Cataract Canyon on the muddy Colorado "her kind of place."

But for some reason — even Orchard can’t quite explain why — she launched her academic efforts with a study of solid land.

Her affair with the terrestrial was a wild one, taking her as far as the Himalayan mountains in Nepal where she hiked and studied geology. It wasn't until a coming-to-terms conversation with aquatic ecologist Trisha Atwood that Orchard regained her water sense and switched to a major in Management and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems.

However she got here, Orchard is now graduating as valedictorian of the QCNR. She wouldn't call her path meandering. When you look at Orchard's academic progress, the strategy of determined exploration and academic excellence is easy to spot.

"There's no one right path to success and happiness," she said. "There is so much to do and see in the natural world, so many experiences to embrace, you've just got to jump in and push yourself in some area. It’s all valuable for learning."

Orchard gave herself a four-year break between high school and university life, figuring that the university experience would still be there when she was ready for it. But she still came into college a bit jittery. Math skills and memorization, let alone Biology 1610, can be a bit intimidating after four years off the clock.

"I was unsure of my capabilities during my freshman year. I wasn't sure I was still capable of performing well in a lecture hall environment," she said. “But the time off of school set me up for success in college, having the opportunity to understand my identity beyond being a student, figuring out what my interests are, and what I wanted to spend four years and lots of money pursuing.”

But it also meant that her peer group was younger than she was, which caused a bit of culture shock.

During a Natural Connections hiking trip just before freshman year, some people on the overnight camping trip forgot to bring fairly essential supplies like sleeping bags and tents, she said. She stepped up to problem-solve to assist the less experienced participants. And in the process she also found a few people who evolved into her community and were some of her best friends through the next four years, she said.

Orchard has prioritized her efforts in creating space for others in outdoor spaces, even newbies. Some of that drive comes from her experience as a river guide, a position that tends to open unique opportunities to teach people about water issues and climate issues, she said.

“That work allowed me to take people to the places that I hold most dear and teach them how to love it and why it's important and how to act in those places,” she said.

That inclusive focus translated into concrete efforts in the QCNR, first as three years as a biology tutor for students in the college.

“It's a really hard class. It seems like 90 percent of the students coming in just need talking down, help to manage test anxiety, stress, time management and study skills,” she said. “They usually just need perspective on how the class fits into their major. And then I teach materials too.”

Orchard next established a local chapter of the club Backcountry Squatters in cooperation with Co-President Abigail Mackay. The club creates space designed for women and nonbinary folks to learn basic skills in outdoor activities like rock climbing, skiing and backpacking.

“We have a strong culture of ‘There are no dumb questions’ for those who show up,” she said. “It’s a non-threatening, friendly environment that can help get rid of some of those barriers to learning outdoor sports.”

Orchard says she is grateful for the honor of being named the valedictorian. She has worked really hard over the years, she said, “but I wouldn't be where I am without the support that was offered from faculty, advisers and friends who were really committed to my success.”

WRITER

Lael Gilbert
Public Relations Specialist
Quinney College of Natural Resources
435-797-8455
lael.gilbert@usu.edu

TOPICS

Student Success 294stories Water 254stories Rivers 101stories Recreation 68stories

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