Hello! 

My name is Olivia Hardin-Nieri and I am a sophomore attending SILSA . Fall semester I am taking honors chemistry, early childhood assistant, and two online classes (honors civics and economics as well as math 2 honors) in order to prepare my schedule to switch schools halfway through the year. Spring semester I will begin schooling at the Outdoor Academy (OA)  in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I am overjoyed at the opportunity to spend time in a tight-knit community of only about 30 students and focus on my academic and personal growth. 

Outdoor Academy  is a semester-long boarding school about 45 minutes from Asheville that focuses on building a confidently holistic student and equally inspiring community. OA does this by creating a balance of adventure through outdoor treks such as paddling, backpacking and climbing and engaging, rigorous discussion-based classes. At OA wilderness leadership and classroom rigor join to empower student growth for a world needing more robust leadership.  


Schooling at OA is an experience unlike any other. Classes take place during the week while treks are on the weekend. Treks consist of paddling, climbing, backpacking, and camping. Each semester goes on 3 big backpacking treks a year. The first will be a 2 night trip which is an orientation of sorts, the second is a a four night instructor led, and the third is a four night student led trek which means we plan and execute the entire trip. All my backpacking treks will prepare me for the 2 night solo trek which takes place at the end of the year as a rite of passage. While treks will take up most of my weekends, OA also plans field trips such as square dancing and pumpkin picking. 

My classes include:
-English
-Natural science
-Spanish 3
-Appalachian craft (weaving, basket-making, carving, blacksmithing)
-Environmental seminar
-Leadership and ethics seminar

One unique aspect of this school is that there is no technology. No cellphones, no laptops, no email, no nothing! This will certainly be hard for me in the beginning, but I am excited to see how my life is different with space from technology. During this time of "space," I will rely on letter writing and using the one shared landline phone students use for communication. One way to support me (whether or not you donate) is by writing me letters. If you can find the time I would love to hear from you!

 
Olivia Hardin-Nieri

43 Hart Rd, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

 
Attending Outdoor Academy will be an opportunity for me to better know myself. OA will create time for me to cultivate friendships, improve leadership skills, and attain tools to support a lifelong quest for adventure. I look forward to spending time in community, participating in discussion-based learning, having new experiences, and taking on new and added responsibilities. I am excited that it is even a possibility for me to attend this school.
 

While OA is an incredible experience it does require funds that I simply do not have. I have made this page in hopes of gaining support from my larger community, friends, and support system to help send me on this epic journey. Any donations received will go towards tuition, supplies (camping gear/outdoor essentials), and school necessities.  Any amount that you are able to give is greatly appreciated. Your contribution will most certainly change my life. There is no doubt OA will create positive shifts that I can hardly foresee.



THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Much love and gratitude,

Olivia Hardin-Nieri
43 Hart Rd, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768