Mia Sullivan F22 Digs Into Hampshire’s Outdoor Past

When Mia was looking for a college, Hampshire’s OPRA (Outdoor Programs, Recreation, and Athletics) offerings appealed to her. Now, she’s bringing OPRA’s history to life by digitizing trip photos, reports, and maps from the 1980s to the early 2000s. When she’s not delving into the archives, she’s out leading trips, taking OPRA courses, and sharpening her skills in outdoor adventure education and environmental philosophy.

Student reporter Alysha Ras F22 caught up with Mia to talk about her studies, her time in the backcountry, and her work preserving Hampshire’s outdoor legacy.

What attracted you to Hampshire?

I was drawn to Hampshire College because of the academic freedom it offers. The idea of designing my own curriculum and having the flexibility to explore subjects that genuinely interest me was a major factor in my decision. Hampshire’s pedagogical approach allows for independent thinking and interdisciplinary learning, which I find really exciting.

One of the biggest aspects that stood out to me was OPRA. I love being outdoors, and the ability to integrate that passion into my academic experience was a huge draw. The opportunity to take courses that emphasize hands-on, experiential learning in an outdoor setting aligns with my learning style. I was excited about the chance to develop new skills, challenge myself physically and mentally, and connect with nature in a meaningful way.

Tell us about the project you’re working on to digitize OPRA’s trip photos and other materials.

These images capture super-cool adventures — from expeditions in Belize to treks through the White Mountains — along with snapshots of campus life during that time. There are hundreds of photos that provide a peek into the College’s history and the experiences of past students. I’m also digitizing old trip reports and maps from the same era. 

My goal is to preserve and share this information, making it accessible to staff, alums, and anyone else interested in Hampshire’s outdoor history. This project is not only about preserving the past but also about reconnecting the community with its roots. I’m excited for people to explore these materials and see how OPRA has shaped outdoor education at Hampshire over the years.

What are you studying?

I’m focusing on outdoor adventure education and leadership, as well as environmental philosophy. My studies enable me to explore how outdoor experiences and our interactions with the natural world shape learning and group dynamics.

A central theme of my work is group development and formation — mainly, how time spent in outdoor environments influences relationships, leadership structures, and personal growth. I’m fascinated by the ways nature-based experiences foster communication, resilience, and collaboration among individuals and groups. I take courses that emphasize outdoor leadership, environmental ethics, and experiential education, incorporating hands-on learning with academic classes.

Beyond the classroom, I do lots of skill-based outdoor training. I participate in OPRA courses to work on my technical abilities, and take classes outside of the College as well. Additionally, I join OPRA-led trips whenever possible, gaining firsthand experience in facilitating outdoor adventures and working with groups in differing environments.

Most recently, I spent a semester abroad with NOLS (a nonprofit global wilderness school), in New Zealand. Over a three-month period, I participated in immersive backcountry experiences, including expeditions in backpacking, sea kayaking, and whitewater canoeing. This program not only honed my technical outdoor skills but also deepened my understanding of risk management, team dynamics, and environmental consciousness in remote settings.