What the PSA Junior Leadership Academy and Outward Bound meant to me…

The Outward Bound experience is difficult to put into words for people who haven’t been there. While we were waiting in the Denver airport, each student took a moment to try to capture what this experience meant to them in words:

This trip was a great experience which allowed friendships to grow stronger, as well as bonds between teachers and students. Also it was hilarious when Ms. Twohig face planted in the snow on which is now known as “Twohig Face Plant Hill”! J

-Corey

This experience helped me to gain leadership.

-Freddie

When we were on our way to Outward Bound, I was super excited. And when we got there, I was kind of disappointed. It was not what I expected. Besides the annoying circles and crazy people, I enjoyed this trip. My accomplishment throughout this trip is that I have more confidence. I am not as negative, and I am able to try new things without putting bad thoughts in my head.

-Haley

Even though I hated every second of the hike, after summiting I felt successful. And every initiative challenged me.

-Taylor

This trip was definitely not what I expected. I am not much of a nature person but it did allow the students to become way closer with each other, as well as with the teachers. My most memorable accomplishment was actually allowing the teachers and some students to guide me up a rock wall while I was blindfolded.

-Desirae

This trip is not what I expected, but I got through it and now I feel like a stronger person.

-Dimaisha

This experience helped me realize that we can’t allow fear to conquer our minds. It helped me to believe in myself and have a little more self confidence.

-Uzziah

This experience taught me great leadership skills and brought us closer as a class. I liked this trip.

-Joe

This experience taught me that no matter what, we need each other. We need each other for support, motivation, determination, leadership and most of all, teamwork. It helped me to gain confidence in myself and believe that I can do anything if I put my mind to it. This trip helped me to appreciate nature a little more. And most of all, it helped me to realize better who I was as a person.

-Marquisha

This trip was a lot of fun but sucked other times. My favorite part was when Ms. Twohig face planted in the snow :)

-Sydney

What this taught me is that the grass is greener on the other side. It taught me that I had strength in me to accomplish what I set my mind to. I came out of this a stronger person.

-Sabrina

Even though I hated the time, I feel like I matured more. It made me become more supportive of my classmates. I also enjoyed leading my group out of the mountain.

-Matt

It was the most painful, the most aggravating, the most annoying thing I have ever done- but it was worth it.

-Fred

And a couple good ones from some inspirational figures:

There is to be found within us all the necessary reserves of strength and fortitude to meet whatever challenges may arise.

-Kurt Hahn, Founder of Outward Bound

Courage is the power to let go of the familiar.

-Raymond Lindquist

Our greatest glory consists not in never failing, but in rising each time we fall.

-Oliver Goldsmith

Peace and chow. Chow and peace.