At North Carolina State University’s College of Natural Resources, some of the most meaningful learning happens outside the classroom, where real-world experiences challenge students to apply their knowledge and discover who they want to become. 

Many of these opportunities are made possible through the generosity of Day of Giving donors, who participate each spring in giving challenges that unlock additional funds when the college meets specific goals — such as receiving the most donations during a designated hour.

These extra funds help cover costs for opportunities that might otherwise fall outside the regular budget, including field-based courses, travel expenses and other high-impact learning experiences that enhance students’ understanding of their field.

“Gifts of all sizes on Day of Giving come together to make a real impact,” said Melissa Pasquinelli, associate dean of academic affairs for the College of Natural Resources. “They allow the college to support innovative programs that give students experiences beyond the classroom where they can tackle real-world challenges, deepen their understanding of their field and build lasting connections with peers, alumni and professionals that create a network for lifelong impact.”

Among the opportunities supported by Day of Giving challenge funds are field trips that take students beyond campus to explore ecosystems, communities and conservation challenges firsthand — including annual trips to the mountains of North Carolina.

Real-World Learning in Action

Roland Kays, a research professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, leads students in his FW 544/FW 444: Mammalogy course on an annual trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park to track field mice and flying squirrels, explore open fields to watch elk rut — and observe tourists who think feeding an 800-pound animal is a good idea.

Kays said the trip gives students a chance to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world fieldwork, confronting the challenges of working with live animals and unpredictable conditions in the wild. Along the way, they develop skills in observation, problem-solving and scientific thinking, while gaining firsthand insight into the possibilities their education opens for careers in wildlife research, conservation and related fields.

“We drive up a mountain so we can set live traps up and down an elevational gradient. We watch the sun set and rise, then head back out to identify the mammals they’ve caught,” Kays said. “The students discover pretty quickly that being able to identify a species from a picture or specimen in class is one thing, but when a live, furry animal is squirming around in their hands, it’s much more difficult — and a lot more memorable.”

Students in other programs get similar opportunities to apply classroom learning in the field. Lincoln Larson, an associate professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, leads about 15 students on an annual field trip to the North Carolina mountains, where they join roughly 80 students from other universities for a week-long stay at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont.

About half have never visited a national park before, according to Larson. The trip gives them hands-on experience in park management, conservation practices and outdoor leadership, while building teamwork and problem-solving skills in a real-world setting. Many leave with a clearer sense of career possibilities and a deeper appreciation for public lands and natural resource stewardship.

“You can’t fully comprehend what it takes to manage national parks from a classroom or Zoom. With this trip, students get to live as park professionals and interact with rangers, NGOs, gateway tourism officials and others who play a role in park management. Meanwhile, they learn about environmental stewardship and how to be a responsible outdoor recreationist,” Larson said. “It’s basically a mini study-abroad trip packed into one week in March.”

Lessons You Can’t Measure

While instructors can measure the knowledge and skills experiential learning provides, it’s the intangible benefits that matter most, said both Kays and Larson — the sense of confidence, curiosity and inspiration that can’t be captured in a test or lecture. These are the moments that shape students’ perspectives and highlight why Day of Giving is so significant to their education.

​​“The learning part is great, but for me, it’s the reflection that happens around the campfire at night that takes it to the next level,” Larson said. “Hearing students talk about their impressions of the day and their goals is something you can’t measure. It’s those connections that help us understand ourselves and where we’re headed, both personally and professionally.”

Larson’s words illustrate how experiential learning goes beyond simply participating in an activity. It involves fully engaging all your senses, paying close attention and being completely present, turning ordinary experiences into moments of meaningful insight and personal growth.

Bringing these high-impact experiences to students requires planning, effort and, most importantly, financial support. Day of Giving helps provide the resources that make these opportunities possible, allowing students to engage in fieldwork and other experiences that bring classroom lessons to life and prepare them for careers in natural resources.

“Day of Giving is a chance to fuel innovation, support bold ideas and strengthen the College of Natural Resources’ future. Every contribution helps unlock challenge funds that expand experiential learning opportunities and advance our mission to graduate career-ready students,” said Jennifer Piercy, the college’s assistant dean of philanthropy. “I encourage anyone considering a gift to make these opportunities possible by joining us.”