Full-Time MBA Students Learn the Ropes of Leadership

Incoming UC Davis Full-Time MBA students capped off orientation with a high-energy adventure at Challenge Sonoma Ropes Course in Glen Ellen, Calif.

After a full week of professional networking, alumni panels, career bootcamps and sessions on academic expectations and AI transformation, students traded classrooms for treetops.

The ropes course served as a fitting finale—putting into practice the collaboration, adaptability and resilience they had been discussing all week. What began with partner and team-building challenges on the ground quickly escalated to suspended obstacles high above, pushing students to lean on their peers, embrace discomfort and transform nervous energy into confidence.

For many, it was their first chance to live the mindset that will define their MBA journey: Growth comes when you step outside your comfort zone. The day was not just about conquering heights—it was about setting the tone for two years of bold learning and leadership.

Video Transcript

All right, man. I can just go?

Enjoy it, have fun.

Could you give me a countdown?

One. Two. Three. (Screaming)

Emilie Leen-Conley, Ropes Course Facilitator | Challenge Sonoma Adventure Ropes Course
Today we're at Challenge Sonoma Adventure Ropes Course, located in beautiful Glen Ellen, California. And we are starting our morning on the ground doing some team and partner challenges.

This is important because when we get into our comfort zones, we don't really grow as much as we can, and throughout the day, we really watch their confidence blossom. And it's really a rewarding thing, not only for the students but for us as well.

Daniel Vaziri MBA 27
So, we are at the Challenge Sonoma Ropes course, and we have the whole MBA cohort here. Right now we are going to the actual ropes section.

We did some preliminary team-based challenges which kind of got our mind and body moving a little bit. But now we're fully stepping in to the actual ropes course.

I'm also a little nervous. We're getting comfortable being uncomfortable.

Daniel Vaziri MBA 27
How are we feeling?

Gunraj Singh MBA 27
I guess we're going to find out as soon as I get up there.

Daniel Vaziri MBA 27
Have you ever done one of these before?

Gunraj Singh MBA 27
I have not. I'm optimistic and I'm excited.

Daniel Vaziri MBA 27
Yeah.

Gunraj Singh MBA 27
I don't know if you know that nervousness and excitement release the same hormones. Yes. You want to just change the words and you'll be...you'll be all set.

Daniel Vaziri MBA 27
There we go. Get a little science lesson.

Daniel Vaziri MBA 27
Guys, we're up here.

Matthew Van Prooyen MBA 27
S’up?

Daniel Vaziri MBA 27
You guys can see...So now Matthew's going to go first.
I just got up here. And behind me is Sydney. Focused. Determined.

We're all doing it.

One. Two. Three. (Screaming)