ORONO – University of Maine junior Tara Bryant of Brewer recently returned from Philadelphia, where she participated in a national conference of physical and recreational educators as an Outstanding Future Professional. She was one of two Maine college students selected for the 2003 honor by the Maine Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

Similar professional organizations in each state annually select two outstanding physical education majors, based on their academic achievement, campus and community involvement, professional potential and leadership qualities. Christian Gurney of Lisbon Falls, a student at St. Joseph College, is the other Maine representative.

A 2000 graduate of Brewer High School, Bryant is a kinesiology and physical education major at UMaine, specializing in outdoor education. In addition to meeting and talking with widely recognized professionals in her field, Bryant also participated in a presentation on starting outdoor education programs in public schools with two of her former Brewer High teachers, Mark Savage and Cynthia McLaughlin.

The conference was “an amazing opportunity and experience,” Bryant said. “It was a privilege to be recognized in front of the whole assembly, and the professionals viewed and treated the college students as legitimate future professionals.”

As part of her award, Bryant will attend the National Student Leadership Conference this fall at an Easter Seal camp in Alabama. She is looking forward to the experience and the opportunity to work with children and young adults with physical disabilities and their families.

Outdoor education – from white-water rafting and rock climbing to hiking and even paintballing – offers lifelong skills and activity, Bryant said. She likes the challenge, adventure and risks they offer, but most important, she said, are the intangible end products. Working together to learn and master physical skills develops qualities such as patience and cooperation.

“It’s all about relationships,” she said. “The process and participation builds trust, teamwork, leadership and respect.”

Bryant is an active member of the UMaine Campus Crusade for Christ and the Lifelines organization. The mission of Lifelines fits her personal and professional aspirations – to use outdoor experiences to strengthen relationships, communication, leadership, character and faith. Her career goal is to work in a higher education outdoor missions program.