The Flyin Ryan Adventure Scholarship Program honors the memory of “Flyin” Ryan Hawks by making monetary awards to enable the adventures of individuals around the world. In addition to demonstrating financial need, applicants are asked to connect their mind, heart and spirit to determine their own Core Values and to demonstrate their passion for their goals. We wish to create supportive community around our Adventure Scholarship recipients and support them in all of their life adventures, even after the award is used.
We would like to introduce you to Emily Boyden, who received her Flyin Ryan Adventure Scholarship award in 2015 to take an avalanche safety course. In her application essay she says that deciding to apply took three years of consideration because she needed the time to gain an appreciation for the concept of self-determined Core Values.
Emily has now updated us on her latest epic adventures.
“Much has changed in my life since receiving my Flyin’ Ryan adventure scholarship. Through my scholarship in 2016, I was able to complete an AIARE Avalanche 1 course at Mount Washington. This course taught me an abundance of safety information in regards to avalanches and introduced me to many aspects of safety I was unaware of. As an adventurous college student living in Montana, the information I learned was extremely pertinent to the activities I was partaking in. The valuable knowledge I was able to gain stuck with me through the rest of my time in Montana. Through each new ski, hike, bike, climb, I thought back to this safety course and the values endowed in me through Flyin’ Ryan which helped me assess risk vs. reward in new environments. I have the Flyin’ Ryan Foundation to thank for teaching me these concepts and values early on in life, as well as my previous ski coaches.
My senior year of college certainly did not disappoint. A summer spent in Crested Butte, CO; working, mountain biking, and hiking with friends. A trip down to Jackson Hole, WY with seven other girls for mountain biking, lake-chilling, and camping. In the winter I balanced school with skiing at Bridger Bowl any chance I could. Spring Break in March meant a road trip down to Moab, UT for MORE biking and camping with gals!
This past May I completed my Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science from Montana State University. I am forever grateful for the friendships and adventures I was able to find in Montana over these last four years. As hard as change can be, I am excited to say that I am now a first-year doctor of physical therapy student at Simmons University in Boston, MA. As a Vermont resident, I enjoy heading home as much as possible to mountain bike and ski at Smuggler’s Notch!”
Thank you for keeping us updated Emily, we are so proud and excited for what you’ll do next!