![\"students](\"http:\/\/commons.trincoll.edu\/reporter-fall2019\/files\/2019\/09\/Quest9.jpg\")
<\/a>Each fall, about 100 incoming first-years opt to start their Trinity College journey with a wilderness adventure through Quest, an extended pre-orientation program that takes place on the famed Appalachian Trail. Begun in 2004, Quest affords participants the opportunity to meet other Trinity students and to conquer new challenges as they transition into college. The program offers four- and 10-day treks that feature backpacking and rock-climbing, and no experience is required, with two or three student instructors\u2014in addition to accompanying faculty and staff\u2014providing guidance on necessary basic wilderness skills. Approximately 30 student leaders undergo training during the preceding spring, with most senior leaders building on training from previous years. Emily Schroeder \u201920, an educational studies and neuroscience major who also helped to found Trinity\u2019s women\u2019s golf team, took part in Quest before her first year and has continued to be involved. She\u2019s a leader, a two-year trainer of new leaders, and a student coordinator, with responsibilities for the latter role including logistics, trip planning, and oversight of student registration and enrollment. \u201cI chose to participate in Quest because I wanted to meet students before the rush of orientation,\u201d she says. \u201cQuest provided me with a support network of upper-class leaders and lasting friendships with first-years who shared an unforgettable experience with me. Now I couldn\u2019t imagine starting an academic year without Quest.\u201d<\/p>\nFor more information about Quest, please visit https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/StudentLife\/Events\/Quest<\/a><\/p>\n Editor\u2019s note: \u201cTrinity Treasure\u201d highlights a person, place, or thing on campus that is just what the name implies: a Trinity treasure. Do you have an idea for what to showcase? Please send your suggestions to <\/em>sonya.adams@trincoll.edu<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" QUEST Each fall, about 100 incoming first-years opt to start their Trinity College journey with a wilderness adventure through Quest, an extended pre-orientation program that takes place on the famed Appalachian Trail. Begun in 2004, Quest affords participants the opportunity to meet other Trinity students and to conquer new challenges as they transition into college. … <\/p>\n