The Unspoken Pressure to be Outdoorsy at MSU

I have been asked why I chose to attend MSU on multiple occasions throughout my three years here. When some people see how I dress, what my hobbies are and how I spend my time, they become confused and almost judgmental towards my decision. 

I didn’t grow up skiing, biking, climbing or fishing, and instead spent my free time reading, writing, cooking and exploring new cities. I feel like these differences create a separation between me and many of my peers.

“I definitely think there is an outdoorsy pressure at MSU,” said fish and wildlife major Ben Cordick. “All the students are pretty much outdoorsy, most of my friends are and I definitely feel pushed to do it.” 

Don’t get me wrong: I am all for trying new things and finding different ways to connect with nature and move my body. However, the gap between me —an amateur at almost all outdoor activities — and my outdoor-fanatic peers has created a huge insecurity for me. I feel pressured to excel at outdoor activities. 

“There tends to be outdoor elitism that happens here,” said Kyle Schaniel, a snow science and environmental science major. 

I couldn’t agree more — there is an underlying separation between those who just enjoy the outdoors and those who live for it.

Even those with more experience and passion than me still feel this judgmental hierarchy. “I’m from out of state and I came to MSU because I really like the outdoors, and I still feel a lot of pressure to be more outdoorsy than I am,” said Kaylie Baxter, a political science major.

“If I say that I love to ski, then it's like I have to be doing it a certain way. I like to ski fast and I like to ski big, but I'm not, like, backflipping,” she said.

As someone who has also met these ‘elites,’ I often feel that they are disappointed in me, or they hold a perspective that I am less than them. Yes, I climb, but not a V8. Yes, I hike, but I have never backpacked. Yes, I fish, but I don’t catch 22-inch browns. When discussing my skill level and knowledge, I can’t help but feel slightly ashamed that I am not as good as certain people or actively pushing myself to reach their skill level. 

However, some students shared a different perspective. “My friends who were really good at climbing took me along and showed me the ropes — literally and figuratively — so I've been really grateful to have that resource,” said Owen Schlehuber, a conservation biology major. Schlehuber said he thinks the culture is very welcoming and he notices how excited people are to share their passions with others. 

I disagree that the culture is entirely welcoming. Being interested in a hobby and taking beginners under your wing is one thing, but in my experience, the pressure often feels more isolating than inviting. This intense expectation to be in the great outdoors 24/7 or possess extensive knowledge is unrealistic for me and many others. It squashes the thrill of trying or improving at outdoor activities because there’s an underlying sense that I will never be good enough. 

Not everyone attends MSU for outdoor-related reasons and if the campus community were more aware and understanding of that, everyone would feel more encouraged and excited to try a variety of hobbies.