UMFK students get a lesson in mush-y stuff

FORT KENT – A handful of University of Maine at Fort Kent students learned this weekend that not all lessons come from the pages of a book or within classroom walls.

Some are found on a Saturday morning along a snowy trail.

The students, all part of the university’s federally funded student support TRIO program, were taking part in sled dog rides hosted by three local Can-Am Crown Sled Dog Race mushers.

“This is an effort to enhance the students’ education experience,” said Shawn Graham, UMFK student support counselor and musher. “By doing this they can benefit from learning teamwork, communication and other skills they can take with them in life.”

As teams of dogs filled the air with howls and barks of excitement communicating their own anticipation of hitting the trails, the students were looking a bit nervous.

“I love huskies and I love dog sledding, [but] this is the first time I’ve seen it in person,” said Natalie Adams, a UMFK behavioral science major from Soldier Pond. “I want to see what’s the big thrill about getting pulled by dogs.”

Though apprehensive, Adams was the first to jump in the sled basket after mushers Larry Murphy and Jason Bennett had connected the eight dogs to the gangline.

In the basket with Adams was her 5-year-old daughter, Heather, her small face all eyes as she took in the barking scene strung out in front of her.

“I’m from Boston,” Adams said just before taking off on the 2-mile run. “You don’t see things like this in Boston.”

With a quick command to his dogs, Murphy got the team started and for the first 200 feet down the trail, the only sounds were the joyful screams of Adams and her daughter.

Seeing the smooth takeoff gave heart to the other students waiting their turns.

“I’ve never been in a sled but I’ve seen them on television and in the movies,” said Senait Millay of Surry. “I’m nervous and excited; I do love dogs.”

Millay’s own nervousness evaporated the moment the team took off as she, too, screamed in excitement down the trail.

“That was so awesome,” Millay said after her ride. “It was so much fun.”

UMFK director of academic and counseling services Lena Michaud said the outing was all part of the TRIO grant’s goals.

“We want to get the students out and trying different cultural events of the area,” Michaud said. “We hope to give them a broader appreciation of this part of the world.”

For Adams, the experience bred more than appreciation.

“I think that was the wildest thing I’ve ever done,” she said. “And I’m 40, so you can imagine what I’ve done.”

Immediately after her ride, Adams was in negotiations with Murphy for a possible future puppy.

“These dogs are great,” Adams said. “And I’ve got 4 acres.”

For Graham, the day allowed him not only to step on the sled runners, but also a chance to watch his students try something new.

“I want them to see it’s OK to step out of their comfort zones and learn more than what they get in their classes,” he said. “By taking part in activities like these, they can expand their worldviews and have access to more ideas.”