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Weathering MILE I Weekend with Glee

Mitchell Scholars had nearly four seasons in their 48 hours at the New England Outdoor Center in early October 2023. And they loved every bit of it.

By Mitchell Institute

October 30^th, 2023

The 2023 Edition of MILE I Weekend was one for the books

As nearly 50 Mitchell Scholars arrived at the New England Outdoor Center in Millinocket on the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 5, for the 2023 edition of the Mitchell Institute Leadership Experience I Weekend, they knew the sunshine would be short-lived.

For days in the run-up to the 48-hour program held annually in the shadow of Mount Katahdin, meteorologists had predicted the remnants of Tropical Storm Philippe would reach the area on Saturday, replete with high winds and heavy rain.

In keeping with tradition and in support of a goal to imbue Mitchell Scholars with a strong sense of perseverance, Saturday's outdoor excursions—hiking to the summit of Katahdin and whitewater rafting on the Penobscot—were slated to happen rain or shine. And Scholarship Director Kim Gustafson, lead organizer of MILE I, made sure Scholars knew it. In her final email to participants on Thursday, she had this message for Scholars who comprised three groups aiming for the summit on Saturday:

"Due to the current forecast for a decent amount of rain that is predicted to get heavier as the day progresses, our trusty guides recommend moving the start time to 5 a.m. for breakfast and packing lunches, and then a 5:30 a.m. departure time. This will increase the likelihood of reaching the summit with enough time to descend the mountain safely.

"We would also like to re-emphasize how important it will be to pack everything that was recommended on the packing list," she continued. "It is very important to be prepared with insulated layers, hats and gloves, and waterproof (with sealed seams) everything: jacket, pants, hiking boots, and backpack."

As photos from the trail attest, Scholars needed every bit of that waterproofing.

But before we get to how Scholars weathered Saturday's excursions with glee, let's see the glow of their gathering on Friday.

Time for a Paddle Before Newer Participants Arrived

MILE I veterans and campus ambassadors (left to right) Jasper Makowski, the 2022 Scholar from Foxcroft Academy and sophomore Microbiology major at UMaine; Sara Robinson, the 2022 Scholar from Greely High School and sophomore Medical Biology major at the University of New England; and Deklin Fitzgerald, the 2022 Scholar from Oceanside High School and sophomore Media Studies major at the University of Southern Maine, took it upon themselves to do two things prior to the arrival of most Scholars on Friday afternoon: take a canoe out for a paddle on Millinocket Lake and model for the newbies how to get the most out of MILE I Weekend.

“We never formally discussed stepping up as leaders, but I feel as though it was an unspoken agreement that we would do what we could to help the first-time MILE I attendees feel more comfortable,” Robinson said. “Jasper and Deklin are both such strong leaders already, and I think all three of us knew how vital it was to support our newer Scholars and be a good example for them. So, while we never talked about stepping up, we all knew that our role as campus ambassadors and leaders would be valuable and helpful for the event.”

By the end of the weekend, one Scholar showed his appreciation for Robinson's leadership with this comment on social media: “Sara Robinson carried.” (“Carried” is a contemporary slang term of high praise used to describe someone who does outstandingly well and most of the work in leading a team to victory.)

Learning More about Each Other by Millinocket Lake

Part of the MILE curriculum involves gaining practice with the fine art of navigating introductions—and refining what to say about oneself. To help Scholars hone their skills at breaking the ice, Mitchell Institute President and CEO Jared Cash (above center) asked each Scholar to give a 30-second thumbnail sketch of themselves to the group. And there was no better place to initiate a round of introductions than the NEOC dock overlooking Millinocket Lake at sunset.

Before dining, Scholars gave thanks to L.L.Bean for the chance to #BeanOutsider

MILE I Weekend was made possible in 2023 through sponsorship from L.L.Bean, and each Mitchell Scholar was grateful for the chance to—in keeping with the company's hashtag—#BeanOutsider in the Maine wilderness. For several Scholars, this was the first opportunity to hike, raft, and bond within sight of Mount Katahdin. And for one Scholar, this was the first trip north of Cumberland County.

Watch the video of Mitchell Scholars giving thanks to L.L.Bean

Then it was on to Dinner, followed by more food for thought

There's nothing like being in the embrace of the great outdoors to stoke an appetite, so Scholars needed no encouragement to tuck into the buffet at the New England Outdoor Center's new event center.

After dinner, Adam Fortier-Brown, the 2015 Mitchell Scholar from Gardiner Area High School, a UMaine graduate, a current first-year student at Maine Law, and a senior consultant at Deloitte, delivered a talk on leadership. Among his main takeaways for Scholars was this kernel: “There is not one type of leadership that works. It is about being authentically you. In every leadership style, this framework will help you set a vision, organize your teams, and go out and accomplish your goals.”

A key step in leading oneself or a team involves committing to a goal — and understanding the power and utility of different goals. Big Picture Goals, said Fortier-Brown (above in the buffalo-plaid shirt), are the ultimate “pie in the sky goals that you want to accomplish." Milestone Goals are the intermediate, medium-term goals that represent major steps along the journey to the Big Picture Goal, and Steppingstone Goals are short-term goals that you set to help achieve incremental progress toward Milestone Goals.

To bring teams along on the journey, good leaders will be able to articulate the importance and meaning of goals at different intervals, he said. “It helps to align your goals with the goals of others so that people have inherent desires to collaborate and work towards shared prosperity.”

Another hallmark of good leadership is being inclusive. “Your plans may change, you may hit speed bumps, or find yourself in difficult circumstances. This is part of the journey,” he said. “That’s why it’s important to forgive others and yourself when things don’t go according to plan.”

When inevitable setbacks happen, Fortier-Brown recommended seeking support from friends, family, mentors, and even the Mitchell Institute to help get back on track. “Find ways to tap into the strengths and lived experiences of others,” he said. “Our differences are what inspire some of our most creative ideas.”

Rain didn't dampen Scholars' Spirits for Saturday's Excursions

After a hearty buffet breakfast at the New England Outdoor Center's River Drivers Restaurant, Scholars seeking outdoor adventure set off for either the summit of Katahdin or the rapids of the Penobscot River. Knowing they were already in for a soaking, whitewater rafters departed a little later in the morning, when the rain from the remnants of Tropical Storm Philippe would build.

However, three groups of hikers hit the trail before dawn in order to summit and return before high winds threatened their safety.

Some Stretched Their Leadership

While their MILE I peers were making their way up Katahdin or down the Penobscot, Scholars seeking a more contemplative and climate-controlled experience decamped for the NEOC's Events Center on Saturday morning to participate in the "Stretch Your Leadership" program.

Participants explored physical, mental, and emotional healthy lifestyle habits; team-building and group problem-solving; and finding empowerment through creative energy and rejuvenation activities.

To strengthen teamwork and communication skills, Stretch Your Leadership participants were divided into groups of three, comprising a signaler, a communicator, and a doer.

Activity facilitator Julie Puleio, of the NEOC, placed small dinosaur figurines on the floor that the blindfolded "doer" had to locate and place in a bucket within a brief period. The "signaler," the person who could see but was not permitted to talk, had to use hand gestures to explain to the "communicator" the specific, wayfinding instructions that could then be voiced to the "doer" to help them complete the task.

The exercise brought into sharp relief the importance of teamwork, clear communication, and active listening.

For the final activity of the day, participants in the Stretch Your Leadership group penned words that characterize leadership on a poster and signed it.

A closer examination of 'Blocked Perspectives'

Mitchell Institute board member Elyse Pratt-Ronco, assistant director of Upward Bound at the University of Maine–Farmington and shown below leading a 2022 MILE I activity, returned this year to deliver a session titled “Blocked Perspectives.”

“We had eight people, with each having a photo showing a different perspective of the same structure,” she explained. “Two people were charged with building the structure, without being able to see the photos. The group quickly caught on to the fact that they all had the same photo from a different perspective—the first major hurdle. When they did that, someone suggested they all move themselves around the table so they were looking at the structure from their own perspective. Collaboratively, they built the structure that no individual would have been able to do on their own with what they had to work with. After they celebrated successfully completing the task, we debriefed.”

In that post-activity debriefing, “they reflected that it was challenging at first, not having all of the necessary information and then having to trust others in the group,” Pratt-Ronco said. “They connected this to what it is like to do group projects in college, where you have to rely on others to do their part (which can be hard if you are used to achieving). We also talked about this activity as a metaphor for leadership and life: All perspectives are necessary to achieve the best outcome. We talked about negative self-talk (that inner critic that sometimes tells us we can't do something) as well as the success that can come from listening to one another and working together. They were one of the most efficient groups I've seen. I was impressed with how fearless they were to jump in and solve the problem, and how they did it with consideration for one another. They are on their way to being powerful leaders.”

The Ties (and Scarves) that Bind Us

Early in his professional life, when he was a fresh-out-of-college assistant dean of admissions at his alma mater, Mitchell Institute President and CEO Jared Cash received a hand-me-down tie from a senior colleague who oversaw Bates’ Office of Financial Aid. Cash says the gift was especially meaningful, given that he was still building a professional wardrobe and didn’t have much disposable income to ensure a lot of variety in his neckwear.

With the memory of that generosity fresh in his mind, Cash decided MILE I Weekend would be the perfect opportunity to do what Leigh Campbell at Bates had done for him. So, he culled his tie collection, and with help from his wife, Mallory, they purchased an equal number of cashmere scarves. Together, they had a handsome bundle to offer Mitchell Scholars during the Saturday evening programming.

“The scarves and ties were intended to be a keepsake and small gesture of support to the Scholars to help them dress up a bit for the upcoming Gala and MILE II, as well as interviews, internships, and jobs,” Cash said.

On Sunday Morning, Scholars Receive Acres and Acres of History

On typical Sunday mornings of MILE I Weekend, Scholars can be found working up a sweat within Baxter State Park. Delivering and spreading new loads of gravel to campsites and paths at Daicey Pond Campground and getting six cords of firewood stacked and stored for next summer's use at Kidney Pond Campground were on the docket last year.

This year, driving rain on Saturday night left the park too muddy and slick for the traditional morning of volunteer work under the supervision of Baxter State Park staff. Still, it didn't stop them from meeting with Scholars at the NEOC events center and giving them a history of the nearly 210,000-acre state park as well as certificates of appreciation for their willingness to help improve it for the year ahead.

After BSP Ranger Don Bolduc (above) spoke about Maine Governor Percival Baxter's vision behind purchasing and donating the land that today comprises the park, Scholars eagerly accepted their certificates.

In their own words: What MILE I Meant to Scholars

Abdullah Alzamili

“I found MILE I to be one of the most unique experiences I have ever been a part of," said the 2023 Mitchell Scholar from Portland High School, and first-year student at Bates College. “Despite having lived in Maine most of my life, MILE I opened my eyes to so much more of this beautiful state. The diversity in Scholars I found there was helpful. I met students from all over the state and surrounding ones. These students were at various stages of their college careers—some first years, some seniors, and of course in between. With the range in ages of the other Scholars, I felt so hopeful about my future as a Mitchell Scholar in Maine, and I felt like I belonged.”

Fatima Lamloom

The 2023 Mitchell Scholar from Casco Bay High School and sophomore Biology major at Southern Maine Community College said her favorite Saturday activity was whitewater rafting on the Penobscot River with guides from the New England Outdoor Center.

“It was scary because I’ve never been rafting before,” Lamloom said. But she chose to go despite the inclement weather because she knew “rafting would be a new experience, plus it’s a Maine staple, and I wanted to make this weekend unforgettable.”

After a day on the river, Lamloom said rafting is really “all about teamwork. I enjoyed it because you’re in this hard situation together and you have to think together. Because of that, you bond over that difficulty. I feel I now have a longstanding friendship with some people because of what we are able to talk about on the river. I’m very grateful for that.”

Abby Lucey

“I was excited to learn more about how the Mitchell Institute can help Scholars financially throughout college in ways unrelated to tuition. I heard stories of people receiving support for housing and food, which I had not realized were things the Institute could help with. I'm impressed with the lengths to which Scholars can be supported,” said the 2021 Mitchell Scholar from Greely High School and junior Illustration major at Rochester Institute of Technology. “Being away from Maine has made me realize how lucky we are to be surrounded by nature at home. The chance to meet other Scholars and build our leadership skills together while experiencing northern Maine's beauty will keep me coming back for as long as I possibly can.”

Savannah Compare

“MILE I was such a fun experience. I really liked that you can tell how much the Mitchell Institution cares about its Scholars,” said the 2023 Mitchell Scholar from Boothbay Region High School and first-year Earth and Climate Sciences major at Bates College. “They put a lot of effort into making the weekend the best it can be. I’m lucky to have had the opportunity to hike Katahdin. I also liked the activities related to goal-setting and leadership. It gave me time to rethink how I approach my own goals and what I can do differently to achieve them. Everyone there was so welcoming, and the whole weekend made me realize that being a Mitchell Scholar really is more than just receiving a scholarship.”

Kamy Dube

The 2023 Mitchell Scholar from Winthrop High School and first-year Business Administration and Hospitality Management major at Southern Maine Community College:

“One defining aspect of this trip that really touched my heart was when Alex [Carrier Hitchcox] had all the Scholars stand in a circle, facing away from each other with our eyes closed. She then tapped people into the middle of the circle and would say statements such as, ‘Tap the shoulder of someone you respect,’ after which the selected Scholars went and tapped the shoulders of people they felt fit that statement.

“Being a natural introvert and a first-year Mitchell Scholar, attending this MILE I trip was no easy feat. I had to force myself to get out of my comfort zone, which resulted in uncertainty when I still felt like I knew no one after the first day. By day three, and specifically this activity, I was confident in and grateful for the connections I made, but it's hard to know the impression you make on someone. But when I was feeling multiple taps on my shoulder, it showed me that people associated me with all these positive characteristics, that sometimes I don’t even see in myself. It was truly eye-opening and made me emotional because I don’t typically think I have an impact on people. But this anonymous expression of people’s thoughts proved me very wrong. It was beautiful not only being the recipient but also getting to share how other people impacted me and know that they made a difference in my life even in the short span we were given together.

“Overall, the MILE I weekend was a meaningful, insightful experience that gave me a sense of belonging and connected me with amazing people. Even if they don’t all attend the same school as me, or are located where I am, I know the Mitchell Institute and my fellow scholars all support me for who I am, and who I will become.”

Group Shot Gallery

By noon on Sunday—the close of MILE I Weekend—the skies had sufficiently cleared for group shots. And Mitchell Scholar Deklin Fitzgerald, the Institute's official photographer for the event, was happy to oblige any and all who gathered.

A Parting Shot of the Photographer, himself

If you like most the images in this Exposure picture story of MILE I Weekend, you have Mitchell Scholar Deklin Fitzgerald to thank. And the Mitchell Institute is grateful to him as well.

When illness sidelined the Institute's regular event photographer, Fitzgerald stepped up. Pictured above (in a rare moment without a camera in his hands), Fitzgerald is the 2022 Mitchell Scholar from Oceanside High School and a sophomore Media Studies major at the University of Southern Maine, where he serves as editor-in-chief of the school's newspaper, The Free Press.

At MILE I, Fitzgerald was, first and foremost, a participating Scholar—there to hone leadership and communication skills, as well as strengthen his connections with the Mitchell Scholar community. Asked why he rose to the challenge of providing the Institute with photographic coverage of the event during a retreat that was intended to benefit him, Fitzgerald demurred at the suggestion that he sacrificed anything.

“I would have to say that being able to get up and help photograph MILE I wasn’t a big task. Being a photographer isn’t just a job, it’s a passion,” he said. “This past year, I have grown in many ways. With the help and support of my friends, my doctors, and even coworkers and bosses, I have become a better person, leader, and photographer. When I spoke to Jared [Cash] on the first day of MILE I, I wasn’t expecting to be filling [the professional photographer's] shoes. But I was ready because I was prepared. I had brought my camera setup in order to get experience and practice in a different but familiar environment.”