Real Stories

Here Comes The Mountain

STUDENT:
Kyle Grant (Class of 2007)
Hometown:
Rockport, MA
INVOLVEMENT AT WHITTIER :
Ski & Snowboard Club, co organizer for Whittier SnowJam 2006, 2007

The range of activities available at Whittier is immense. At last count, more than 70 student clubs and organizations currently operate on campus, offering students the chance to try just about anything. For example, students can learn how to suture wounds in Students for Community Medicine; play popular British sport cricket in the Wicket & Bails Club; interactively role play in Renaissance revivalist club Artorian Order of the Knights of Pendragon; host or produce a live radio show on KPOET 88.5FM; or explore leadership and governance by running for office with the Associated Students of Whittier College’s Council of Representatives.

And you can also find unique ways to promote your particular organization.

"We really wanted to increase awareness of the outdoor recreational opportunities here at Whittier and grow the Ski & Snowboard Club especially," says Kyle Grant, a club member and professional snowboarder. "I pretty much train daily, so I know there are a lot of great runs nearby - Mountain High, Mammoth, and the Big Bear area - and the regular season here is pretty good in terms of weather conditions.

"I got the idea to do a snowboarding exhibition on campus, so after getting the OK from the College, I talked to some of my current pro sponsors, who got really got excited about the idea. They brought in the snow-making machines, constructed the runs, and helped us enlist other snowboarders to participate in the exhibition. We also had a concert going on at the same time, with a lineup including a jam band, a soul/reggae rock group, a metal group, and a Hip Hop group, a little something for everyone. The event was really successful, and this past year, it was bigger and better, with more snow, more competitors, more sponsors - all in 80 degree weather and under clear blue skies."