On my sixteenth birthday, I didn't get the sparkling new
Mitsubishi Eclipse I had been coveting. I didn't even get
the satisfaction of having my parents drive me to the MVA
to get my learner's permit. What I received was the best birthday
present any parent could give their child. My parents' gift,
a three week Outward Bound expedition to Utah, provided with
me with an experience that was ultimately a turning point
in my life. It inspired and motivated me to strive to achieve
goals I previously thought were unattainable.
Before I turned sixteen, my feelings towards the world and
everything in it were completely ambivalent. I was a compass
with no needle. I knew I wanted to become a doctor, but I
had no real idea how to do it. I thought that I might not
be good enough to get into medical school. To compound this
stumbling block, I didn't even have a real idea of who I was.
I was introverted and would not share what I had to offer
with others. However, my parents believed in my potential,
and they helped me by capitalizing on what they considered
to be two of my best qualities: my open-mindedness and willingness
to try new things.
For the general adolescent population, an Outward Bound
course does not present like an opportunity to live in paradise.
I, for one, was not in the physical shape to wake up at five
in the morning to hike fifteen rugged miles or paddle a boat
through rapids all day. Yet, I realized I needed to learn
about others, mature, and ponder my direction in life. I spent
two whirlwind weeks preparing to go west.
The Colorado Outward Bound program consists of many challenges
described as "beyond perceived physical, mental, and
emotional limits." In contrast to other outdoor adventures
which rely on instructors, at Outward Bound my peers were
my teachers for all but technical skills. The course started
like a class in that the instructors actually taught us vital
skills and led the group. As the course progressed, the instructors
gradually distanced themselves from the group. Interspersed
throughout the course were group discussions where we discussed
our personal progress with each other. I benefitted tremendously
from this format.
My relationships with my peers on the trip were a huge factor
in my social growth. From the first day, I found myself interacting
easily with other people my age. I had never before communicated
so freely with other teenagers. We learned how to give constructive
feedback to each other. For example, if there was something
someone did not like about me, they told me. If someone felt
I was conducting myself improperly, I heard about it. Other
people in the group depended on me, and I depended on them.
I also was confronted with the physical and social consequences
of my actions. If I chose to take a break, the whole group
was forced to take a break. If I became dehydrated, the group
could not continue until I was better. When I decided to waterproof
my gear bag my way instead of the instructor's way, I got
all of my partner's gear wet in addition to my own. My positive
contributions to the group were also noticed and affirmed.
I learned in real time how everyone must work together to
make the team function at its best.
The program's physical and mental challenges were deeply
significant for me. The physical challenges were enough to
challenge everyone's ability to cope with hardship. I was
constantly challenged. When my body felt like it could not
work anymore, I was forced to make it keep going. At times,
there was no food left. Other times, we had to reach a certain
point on the course to get more water. You definitely are
able to see another side of a person when they get dehydrated.
The most mentally challenging activity on the course was a
two day period of solitude referred to at Outward Bound as
a "Solo." I found myself thinking about things I
never had considered about myself and others. I had time to
reflect on all that had happened in my life. I was able to
think about my future. I found myself realizing the importance
of other people in my life.
I am now six months from my eighteenth birthday, and I am
able to look back upon Outward Bound and appreciate how much
I have changed since my participation. The first and most
important thing that the course did for me was that it made
me realize my true ability. I used to hide behind a laptop
in order to help me overcome my dysgraphia. I allowed my ADHD
diagnosis to make me different than other students. When I
embraced the realization that I can do anything I set my mind
to, I began taking notes by hand again. ADHD still affects
my learning style, but I am usually able to overcome my challenges
by spending extra time at activities to make sure they get
done to the best of my ability. I have overcome physical and
mental blocks that do not affect other people. Without Outward
Bound, I might still be feeling sorry for myself.
My ability to interact with others has also changed significantly.
Before Outward Bound, I did not know myself. I masked my feelings
of inadequacy by telling people things that were not true,
but made me seem like everyone else. I now feel confident
in sharing what is different about me with others, and what
makes me unique. As a result, I have been privileged to see
both the quality and quantity of my personal relationships
increase significantly.
After Outward Bound, I set personal and professional goals
for myself. Aiming to become more active in the community,
I have become increasingly active in school activities, youth
groups, and community service. For example, after I left school
on September 11, I spent the day helping with administrative
duties at the local Red Cross branch. As a way of working
toward my goal of becoming a physician, I am committed to
gaining experience in the medical field. I have volunteered
at my community hospital and recently I began my training
as an EMT for Howard County Fire and Rescue. Additionally,
I was selected by my mentorship teacher to participate in
a county wide medical rotation known as the Phelps-Lumsden
program. Through the program, I am spending month long periods
in different medical settings with doctors in various specialties;
the second part of the program requires that I do research
in a medical specialty area. All of these commitments have
enriched my life.
Sometimes it takes an experience of dramatic proportions
to jolt a person into making significant life changes. My
three weeks in the wilderness provided this type of experience
for me. Outward Bound propelled me from indifference into
believing that I can make a difference.
