The FD Magic

Longtime First Descents supporter Troy “Hawkeye” Wester and his daughter, Abbey “Sunny” Wester, recently joined us on a whitewater kayaking program on Oregon’s Rogue River as volunteers. We asked them to share their thoughts on their experience and what the FD’s Out Living It spirit means to them.

Here is our Q&A with Hawkeye and Sunny:

How did you find First Descents?

Sunny: I heard about FD through my dad who has been involved through Gilead, the company where he works. For the past several years, my mom had attended the FD Ball with him, but this past April, I had the opportunity to go with him as my mom had been traveling a lot leading up to the event. I was profoundly moved by the mission and testimonies from past participants and knew I wanted to find a trip to go on. Later in the evening, I found Ray “Cheddar Bunny” Shedd [FD’s VP of Advancement] and talked about the possibility of going out this summer. Together, we were able to find a week that worked for me and the program. 

Hawkeye: I have had the honor of being exposed to this awesome organization and the great work they do professionally and personally for several years.  The work they do and their mission stood out to me and the life experiences I choose and have chosen to expose my family to.

What does the phrase “Out Living It” mean to you?

Sunny: To me, it means getting outside in general, but also pushing past your comfort point. I tend to fall into routines and rhythms, and “Out Living It” is a reminder that life is about pushing past the comfort, the routine, and finding joy in the challenges. It’s a reminder to live in the moment and remember how you got to be where you are.

Hawkeye: To me, it says, do something you never thought you would or could do regardless of your life situation. Frustrations in life, perceived disappointment, diagnosis, etc. should not hold you back in moving forward. If you embrace your fears, you can always “out live” with more moments, time and shared experiences to impact your life and others!

What made you decide to join a program?

Sunny: I love being outdoors and have a strong interest in community-based programs. I love the mission that adventure can be healing and that it brings a group of individuals together to find a community and rediscover a part of themselves. 

Hawkeye: Couldn’t say it any better than Sunny, but she is the one who pushed me to stop just talking about and actually giving to this awesome organization and follow through.  I have mentioned many times how I wanted to volunteer my time and talents, but always had a reason why I “couldn’t” because of work and life commitments.

Please tell us about your program experience:

Sunny: My experience with the program was more than I could have ever imagined. I knew going in, I would be doing a lot of behind-the-scenes work, but what I didn’t realize was how much fun it would be. I loved helping in the kitchen and making sure everything was clean for the chefs and chatting with participants in the afternoons and evenings.

I think one of my favorite moments was on the very first day when everyone arrived. No one knew each other, and as everyone sat in the living room and shared a little bit about themselves, I started to feel the “FD magic” our lead staff had talked about. These initial conversations turned to friendships, and as we learned to whitewater kayak, I kept having to remind myself that this is real life. I found a place where I could be my authentic bubbly self without fear of being too much because that’s what FD asks of us. 

Hawkeye: My experience was two-fold: shared experience and an impact experience.

Shared experience was about watching the impact and friendships Sunny established with staff, but more so with participants in her same age group, and the pride in watching your daughter help those that could be your daughter.  Sunny thrived in this environment and left making an individual impact, but more importantly, with new friends and planned shared experiences with them on the horizon.

Impact experience was centered around the difference we as volunteers were able to make collectively as staff with the participants.  Watching where they were when picked up at the airport to where they were when they left was beyond expectations and so profound. I often say. “I am better because of those I am surrounded by,” and this rang true from both staff and participants. I am better with and because of every person I spent the week with, but also selfishly watching my daughter thrive and make an impact with and for others!

What inspired your nicknames?

Sunny: I really struggled to come up with a nickname – I wanted to find something that fit my personality. I ultimately came up with Sunny when I pulled my sunnies (sunglasses) out of their case on the morning all of the participants arrived. I have always loved to be in the sun and truly feel happiest under its warmth. I try to reflect that warm and bright disposition in my personality. I pride myself on being very friendly and inclusive, thus I chose “Sunny.”

Hawkeye:  I’m an Iowa boy at heart, even as I have moved around. I like to say, “all good things come from or have some connection to Iowa,” and often shout out to strangers in random cities wearing anything Iowa, “Go Hawks,” in reference to the Iowa Hawkeyes!

How was it to participate in the program together?

Sunny: My dad and I have always been close and share many of the same hobbies. One of the things we both love is the outdoors, and this is often how we spend time together. Whether it’s a ski trip or a quick trail run, it’s a place we have always bonded. Having the opportunity to go on this trip together was something I will always hold close to my heart. Not only did we learn something new, but we also got to meet incredible people. 

Hawkeye: Agree with Abbey 100%, but what I would add selfishly as a dad, is the shared experience I was able to have with her. In addition, to see the impact on parents and children who were with us, and they were able to see and gain through Sunny’s and my relationship as a reason to fight for, to get opportunities like we had to make a difference together, and see not just the love we share, plus the friendship we can establish even as parents or children.

What advice would you give someone who is considering a First Descents program?

Sunny: Go in with an open heart and be ready to give 110% of yourself. Take the time to chat with the participants and other staff and be your authentic self. The program provides an incredible space to live in the moment. Be ready to work hard and remember the importance of community and connection. 

Hawkeye: Stop making excuses as to why not, and figure out how to! The impact y’all have – the opportunity with and for others, but also the profound impact this week will have on you makes this beyond special!

Anything else you’d like to share?

Hawkeye: Thanks to this entire team for allowing us to have this shared experience together. We are already discussing the next opportunity and continued ways to get the word out on FD and “Out Living It.” I’m beyond proud to call FD ‘family’ and share them with my personal family!