Marcus has been with the foundation since 2015. He is a classic Vermont boy doing some rad things with his time. He has been constantly giving back through coaching freeski teams in his community. Here’s what he’s got to say about his past few years.
It was 2015, when I was first granted the opportunity to be an adventure scholar through the Flyin; Ryan Foundation. Within those five years, my life has transformed into a lifestyle I never expected to have; however, I couldn’t be happier with what I’ve found. In my initial application I wrote, “I continuously have a desire to climb and ski bigger and bigger mountains. I am going to start down the path of becoming an AMGA ski guide to make my passion my profession.” My passion for adventure and climbing mountains is still within,
however I am no longer on a direct path to becoming an AMGA ski guide. My focus has shifted to another very an important piece of myself, caring for others, especially those in need. I split my time between working for Stowe EMS, studying through my last year of nursing school here in Vermont, and as of recent, precepting as a new nurse at the Central Vermont Medical Center.
Between all that I’ve managed to pick up a few new interests. Trad climbing and meditation, along with yoga, have been of particular focus over the past year. I still love to ski, bike, and hike, as Vermont is an incredible state for all those activities. The trad climbing and meditation has become more desirous as of recent. I think the biggest draws of those activities is the access to being present. Being in school, working on an ambulance, and training as a new nurse, I am constantly thinking, and my brain is always on. Meditation has given me a place to reset and redirect my focus. Rock climbing, especially trad climbing, compliments my mindfulness practice because it brings about a similar focus,
but includes the adrenaline and strength that release endorphins, neuropeptides responsible for feelings of pleasure and well-being. If you have never practiced meditation, I highly recommend reading about it as you may be surprised as what it truly is, as well as trying an in-person meditation class. That’s my plug, now go try it. Embrace the unknown.
I believe that in life, things happen for a reason. If something is meant to be, then it will work out and be that way. Someone in my life introduced me to the Arabic word, Maktub, meaning “it’s written”. I am not sure how the Flyin’ Ryan Adventure Scholarship has led me to where I am, but I do think it’s an incredible foundation that has introduced me to inspiring people, new adventures, and a new perspective on life. Thanks to the foundation I have created an everchanging list of My Core Principles.
Looking forward, I have a whole slue of ideas. With EMS, I plan to continue onto my AEMT certification, perhaps a paramedic certification one day. When I do settle down into a place, I am interested serving on a mountain rescue or search and rescue team. With nursing, I foresee myself working in the critical care, emergency, or surgical fields. One day continuing on to be an advanced practice nurse as a CRNA or nurse practitioner in family medicine. Another thought is to go onto medical school, using my years of nursing experience to better care for patients in the field of emergency medicine. Many different routes and opportunities lie ahead of me, and all I know currently is that I am looking forward to what the future brings.
Marcus’ Core Principles
- Embrace the unknown
- Be proactive
- Make sustainable choices
- Take time for yourself, make time for friends, family, strangers
- See the positive in every situation, comprehend the negative
- Relax, be present, and practice patience daily – Don’t forget yoga, mindfulness, and restoration
- Focus to achieve goals
- Work hard, play harder
- Say thanks, not sorry
- Be consistent and creative
- Live healthy and think happy
- Explore life in every sense
- Doing something and doing it well is part of a life well lived
- Learn from your dog
- Be as excited to see people in your life as your dog is to see you when return home
- Run with your dog like you are 10 years old (or friends or family)
- Keep it simple