We are thrilled to release a series of blogs over the next few weeks that will highlight (in their own words), some of the young professionals who we have been working with over the last several months. For Mentorship Series (part 1) we reached out to Jasmine Jasenec for a write up highlighting her history with some of our mentors. Read her story here:
Jasmine Jasenec, Moundsville, West Virginia
“Hello! My name is Jasmine Jasenec and I have been working and exploring the challenge course industry for nearly 6 years. I have had the privilege to work alongside, learn from and get to know each of the wonderful mentors over the past few years who have created ‘AdventureCareers.fun’.
I stepped into the industry working a summer job in 2018 after college classes not knowing just how involved I would become. Working at a ‘Pay to Play’ challenge and zipline canopy course in West Virginia, I fell in love with what all this ‘summer job’ had to offer. On my third summer of guiding, I met Micah Henderson. A new company was taking over management of the park, giving way to numerous learning opportunities, new faces, new ideas and polishing our skills and principles as well as ourselves. I began to learn everything I could while at Grand Vue Adventures and wore many hats at work, whatever was needed. This is where I also got to meet John Turman (JT). Though usually working on the upkeep of our course, he would always have a kind smile and teach us about the tools or mechanics without making us feel ‘less than.’ Micah has since been one my greatest influences for jumping fully into this industry. She is always willing to teach those around her whether it involves building, technical information, or self-growth and improvement. Thanks to Micah I was able to see my potential in the Challenge Course industry and decided to start working towards becoming a trainer and learning management skills.
Through the work experiences I had with Micah, she connected me to a company called ‘Adventure Experiences’ where I worked to become a trainer. I began travelling across the country to train and test the facilitators at different camps and parks. I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed training and excelled at teaching others something that I am passionate about. All while learning new skills and meeting new people in the industry. While traveling on the road, it was a great feeling to see self-growth. My comfort level started to increase, and my self-confidence began to expand. I became more comfortable with being independent while I was traveling alone.
While working as a trainer, I was invited to participate in the first ‘Guide Exchange’ in 2023. While consulting for Zip Lost Pines, Micah organized this event to help make their spring break week a success. This is where I got to meet and connect with Bee Lacy, Michelle Hepler, and Leigh Vernon Carruth. I loved getting the chance to learn from each of them. Guiding alongside Bee who always brought her contagious energy and made everyone feel included. Talking with Michelle who is mindfully intentional with her advice while building up everyone around her. And checking in with Leigh who always had a kind smile and warm hug, making sure you were hydrated and taking care of ‘you.’ Each thrives in their own way from their own experiences, and they extend that to all of those they meet.
I shared with JT my interests in learning more about management and he connected me with a Challenge Course in Greenville South Carolina, in need of a Course Manager called ‘Flying Rabbit Adventures.’ While working in Greenville I have had the opportunity to learn more about managing a team, scheduling, hiring and training new team members, safety briefings, gear inventory and monthly inspections. As well as what goes on behind the scenes at the park. It has been a huge learning experience that I am grateful for.
All these interactions led me to want to know more about the industry and the people in it. I knew that attending the 2024 ACCT conference would be the next step to broadening my knowledge of the industry and making new connections. I was encouraged to apply for the scholarship to help me attend, and asked Micah for a letter of recommendation. Receiving one of the scholarships and attending the conference was a huge milestone for me. While at the conference I had the chance to network with many new individuals and absorb new information while attending sessions. While stretching my comfort level, I let my adventurous side show. I decided to try an activity called ‘Cable Whip’ that I had never done before. With a whole exhibit hall watching, I gave it my best shot. Throwing and whipping the cable turn after turn reaching nearly 60 feet, I was very happy with myself for trying something new in front of so many new faces. I kept grinning at the many friends I had in the crowd cheering me on. It was definitely a highlight of my conference experience, to feel that support from so many people. Of course, being new to the conference, I was very thankful to have Bee and Michelle who continue to mentor me. Bee always reached out to make sure I felt like I belonged and was included in the social networking events. While Michelle took me under her wing that week, making sure I was not only taking care of myself during the busy event, but also able to take in every opportunity it had to offer.
I have all these pieces of knowledge and continued self-growth thanks to these mentors. Having someone who helped me find my way, grow in the industry, network with others, and widen my perspective has played a crucial role in my career and the expansion of it. I am more than excited that the same mentorship will be available to those new to the industry with the help of ‘AdventureCareers.fun.’ It’s a way to help others navigate, share advice, network, and better plan and achieve their goals in the adventure world, and I look forward to watching others thrive with the help of these mentors and ‘AdventureCareers.fun’.”
