Finding Her Footing at Greenville University: Dani Oaks ’25
Published: January 26, 2026
Author: Liz Dowell
When Danielle “Dani” Oaks first checked the box for Greenville University’s Outdoor Adventure Club on her college application, she had no idea how deeply that decision would shape her college experience — or her future calling.
A senior environmental science major, Oaks didn’t arrive at GU as an athlete or someone searching for adrenaline. What she was searching for, she says now, was community, purpose, and a place to belong.
“I’m not an athlete,” Oaks explained. “I wanted to be part of something on campus, and I love the outdoors and traveling. When I visited GU and saw the Outdoor Adventure Club space, I just knew that this was going to be my thing.”
Learning Outside the Lines
Outdoor Adventure Club (OA) quickly became more than an extracurricular activity. It became a classroom without walls — one where learning happened through shared challenges, long hikes, quiet campfire conversations, and moments that pushed Oaks far outside her comfort zone.
One of those moments came during the club’s end-of-year trip to Yosemite National Park.
“It was my first national park experience and my first time in California,” she said. “We did everything — tent camping for a week, polar plunging, getting lost in the valley.”
But the moment that she stayed with her the most was climbing Yosemite Falls.
“It took eight hours. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” Oaks said. “But afterward, I felt like I could conquer the world. I remember thinking, if I can do this, I can do anything.”
Those moments of challenge — whether cliff jumping, kayaking through caves, or navigating fear — became formative. They didn’t just build confidence; they built connection.
“You conquer things together,” Oaks said. “And when you do, it feels like family.”
Faith in Motion
For Oaks, OA also became a space where faith and science didn’t compete. They complemented one another.
“I’m really passionate about how interconnected science and Christianity are,” she said. “Being outside helps me reconnect with the Lord and appreciate the little things He’s provided.”
Weekly small group meetings, shared service projects in the Gullies, and conversations around Scripture created room for spiritual growth alongside physical challenge. Over time, Oaks felt supported enough to take a significant step in her faith journey.
In November 2025, surrounded by friends from OA and the wider GU community, Oaks was baptized.
“I didn’t want to do something that monumental without people who truly cared,” she shared. “The people here walked with me through that journey. They’re a huge reason I was ready.”
Stewardship and Calling
As an environmental science major, Oaks found that OA not only supported her academically but also helped her connect with others. And the club clarified her calling.
Working in the Gullies sparked her interest in environmental restoration, leading to an internship at a state park, where she gained hands-on experience in trail maintenance and conservation. Now, she’s applying for post-graduate positions focused on invasive species removal, tree planting, and outdoor restoration.
But her dreams don’t stop there.
“Before this year, I always said I’d never work in education,” she admitted. “But I think the Lord has ignited something new for me. I’d love to do outdoor education one day. Maybe even start a program like OA.”
The idea of helping others experience the natural world, conquer fears, and grow physically, mentally, and spiritually mirrors the journey Oaks herself has walked at GU.
Carrying It Forward
As graduation approaches, Oaks reflects on her time at Greenville with gratitude and a touch of bittersweetness.
“This group gave me the best college experience,” she said. “It’s shown me the importance of community, stewardship, and faith. Those are things I’ll never let go of.”
Whether she’s journaling by a campfire, hiking a trail, or standing atop a peak that once felt insurmountable, Oaks carries with her the lessons learned along the way: courage is built step by step, and growth happens in community.
