Chloe Ford ‘18
By Wyatt Crosher, Assistant Director of Communications for Student Affairs
Venture Outdoor Leadership has a variety of ways for current UNC Charlotte students to get involved, but it also maintains a lasting impact on its alumni, even those who no longer work in a profession directly related to the field.
Chloe Ford currently works in the La Plata County Clerk and Recorder's office in Colorado. She may not be leading hiking trips or working on a challenge course, but she still looks back at her time with Venture as an important time of growth.
Ford was a Charlotte native when she arrived on the University’s campus. During her first year, she was undeclared and spoke with her guidance counselor for ways to get involved. Her counselor recommended Venture as a path to find friends and gain confidence.
“I used to be really shy and socially anxious. I could not carry a conversation,” Ford said. “When I did the Intro to Climbing class, I found it odd, but also amazing that they did a reflection at the end of class about who you look up to most in life, who is belaying you in life. We all took turns in a circle, and it was my first time ever feeling like I was heard and that people actually wanted to hear what I had to say, and feeling safe and vulnerable enough to tell people about my personal life.”
Ford graduated from Charlotte with a major in business, but it was her outdoor adventure leadership minor that she first pursued. She became an expedition guide in Colorado, and did so until COVID-19 forced her to switch paths.
Regardless of where she works, Ford appreciates Venture for all the lessons she was able to learn, and believes any student can find value in signing up for a single class or adventure trip. There could also be benefits when looking for a job after graduating.
“If you are trying to try new things or meet new friends, take one class as an elective and learn how to freaking kayak,” Ford said. “It’s a great way to meet people, and it's a safe space as well.”
“The hands-on experience is just astronomically valuable. Once you graduate, people are hiring for experience, but you just graduated college, you don't have any experience, so how are people going to hire you? If you put Venture on your résumé, that you did X, Y and Z, you're gonna stand out from any other applicant.”
Ulysses Ungos ‘21
By Micah Jordan, Communications Assistant for Student Affairs
For Ulysses Ungos, UNC Charlotte was more than just a place to earn a degree — it was where he found a community that shaped the way he approaches life, leadership and connection.
Ungos, who graduated in 2021 with a degree in electrical engineering and went on to earn his master’s in 2022, took a different path to Charlotte. After serving five years of active duty in the Navy, he wasn’t entirely sure what his next steps would be.
While he found friendship and camaraderie within the engineering department, another unexpected community took shape when he discovered Venture.
His involvement with Venture was a slow build rather than an instant love story. He took a foundational class, learning the principles of outdoor leadership while gradually becoming more involved. Over time, he connected with others who shared similar interests, and before he knew it, he was immersed in the experience.
“Venture helped me slow down and see the bigger picture,” he said. “It taught me to be intentional in a lot of things, to be okay with failing and to always look for ways to grow.”
When asked what he would want current UNC Charlotte students to know about Venture, Ungos’ answer was simple but powerful.
“Go in with passion and keep the stakes low. If you want the experience, you’ll get so much out of it,” he said. “I went in for the outdoor adventures, but I came out with people I love and lessons I’ll carry with me forever. I feel lucky to have been a part of it.”
Sonja Langford ‘23
By Wyatt Crosher
Sonja Langford arrived at UNC Charlotte as a non-traditional student, starting her undergraduate path in her mid-20s with the primary goal of being able to attend classes while maintaining her full-time job outside of the University.
During her first two years as a commuter student, Langford found few significant incentives to stay on campus longer than her courses required. Then she found Venture.
It was a discovery that she said changed her undergraduate experience for the better.
“I went through some life changes, and I was trying to find things to do to get more involved, and I discovered Venture because they were offering some outdoor adventure trips,” Langford said. “I joined, and I ended up extending my stay at Charlotte. I could have graduated in three years, but I stayed an extra year just to be a part of Venture and to add that as a minor.”
That community aspect is the underappreciated part of what Venture brings to Charlotte, according to Langford. While the courses and adventures are exciting on their own, it is that extra component of working together and forming relationships that makes the experience special.
“It's like a bait-and-switch but in the best way, because you think you're going for one thing and you get it, and then if you want to engage in this other incredible opportunity for connection and feeling a sense of belonging, that’s also possible,” Langford said. “I think when you bump into Venture and you're like, ‘Oh, this is really cool,’ it's not just about rock climbing. It's also about learning to become a better person, a better leader, gaining interpersonal skills and feeling like everyone else is also centered around those things.”
Learn more about the Venture program at the Venture Outdoor Leadership website.