RECognition: Jalen Madjidi, Outback Adventures

The latest edition of our monthly RECognition series where we highlight our amazing staff.

By Shawn Cyr

Whether he’s on a trip leading an Outback Adventure or climbing rocks — a new obsession — Jalen Madjidi can usually be found outside, particularly in the mountains (whenever possible).

“That's why I wanted to join Outback, and I'm so appreciative that I did,” Jalen says.

Jalen, an assistant guide with Outback and a biochemistry major (2027), is the next student we’re highlighting in our staff RECognition series! He has been working with Outback since January, is now in his second year of training with the Outdoor Leadership Certificate program — and has been a natural fit.

“I love that it gives me an opportunity to be active and do cool things that I really enjoy with awesome people,” Jalen says. “I've found such a great culture and community through Outback, one that I wouldn't have found anywhere else.”

His favorite REC memory was one particularly challenging day of sea kayaking.

“It'd have to be seeing a full rainbow at sunset on the summer solstice while sea kayaking, shortly after watching a large school of mobula rays jump out of the water right in front of us,” Jalen says. “That made it all so worth it.”

Outback Education Director Simon Teale describes Jalen as “understated California cool.”

“His peers love to hear him teach and hang out,” Simon says.

As for his new hobby of rock climbing, Jalen says he began climbing at the Outback Climbing Center — which is free for students and located in the Canyonview pool complex— and “quickly fell in love with the sport.”

“It combines so many things that I love,” he says. “And now I have all my gear and knowledge to bring outdoors.”