Staff Interview with Hilary LeBlanc - Admissions Associate

What inspired you to work with Where There Be Dragons?

Before starting at Dragons, I worked for a number of years in outdoor and experiential education. I was working with students in the capacity that I loved and this wasn’t something I wanted to give up, but it also wasn’t totally sustainable for me as these were all seasonal positions.

I had a few friends that had worked for Dragons in the past, and it had been in the back of my mind as place I might one day want to work.  When I heard there was an position available in the office, I immediately applied.

I feel so lucky to work both an instructor and also as a member of the admin team. I love having co-workers that are so passionate about what they they do. It’s an incredible community to be a part of!

How do you use your own international experiences in your role as the Admissions Associate?

I studied abroad in Kenya when I was in college, so while I was a bit older than the average Dragons student, I know what it feels like to embark as a student on a journey to a place totally different than what you are accustomed to. I try to put myself back in that place when I am interviewing a student or talking with them about potential programs.

I’ve also had the opportunity to instruct a number of Dragons courses and have seen the tremendous amount of positive impact they have on a students life and try to communicate that to students that are considering a course.

What qualities make the ideal student/traveler?

I think that a willingness to push yourself, be challenged, and try new things are the most important qualities that a student/traveler can possess. Students who are open and excited to learn not only about the world, but also about themselves have the most success.

If you could participate in any Dragons program, where would you go and what would you do?

I have always been intrigued by our course in Indonesia. All of our programs travel to places radically different than what most of our students have ever experienced, but this is one that has always stood out to me.

Perhaps it is the fact that I lived in Colorado where water is scarce, and many of the communities we spent time with in Indonesia lead lives that are so intimately tied to the ocean!

What is your biggest learned lesson from abroad that you would like to share with us?

We talk a lot with our students about learning to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. I think for me this means allowing yourself to recognize when you are out of your comfort zone, but then moving forward and not dwelling on the anxiety or distress you might be feeling. Instead, recognizing you have the strength to push through, and as a result learning a lot about yourself.

You have a lot of adventuring experience, what is your ultimate adventure fantasy?

I have done a lot of long distance bike touring throughout the US and Europe. I would love to do another bike tour or bike-packing trip abroad. I have ridden my bike along most of the Pacific coast from Seattle to San Francisco but would love to continue down through the rest of Southern California to the tip of Baja.

What advice do you have for future participants?

I think many students when researching various programs come across Dragons and worry they are not “ready”. They might feel like they need another year to mature, or that they should travel with a different company first to prepare themselves.

Prospective students should know that if they are excited about the type of travel experience Dragons offers and if they are excited to be challenged and learn, then they absolutely are ready and a good fit for Dragons!

What hopes do you have for the future of Where There be Dragons?

Dragons doesn’t necessarily have a desire to grow in size as a company, but rather to continue offering high quality programs for students. I think there is a growing trend in which students feel pressured to prioritize SAT and college prep classes during the summer with the thought that this is what will lead to success in college and beyond.

In addition, gap years are sometimes viewed as an alternative to college for unmotivated students, and parents worry that students will forget how to learn on a gap year. So I guess my hopes are more for current and future students, that they are encouraged and supported in choosing to do something like Dragons and that the tremendous value they offer is recognized!