Jasalay's Story

My passion is the environment.

I discovered my passion for the environment in a production company called WILD. WILD is a group at my school that stands for Wilderness Inspired Leadership Development, and it encourages students to explore and expand the world around them. In my first trip up Mount Washington, I hiked up ahead of the group, the longer we hiked the faster and the more focused on nature I became. I was suddenly aware of how much I appreciated my surroundings and it made me want to know more about it. Rain started to pour, but I didn't mind it the way I usually would. The rain reminded me that I needed to be aware of myself, I had to make sure I wasn't getting wet and that I stayed warm at the same time. I realized the importance of being involved in the group. I was no longer just looking out for myself. I was looking out for others as well as the environment. Problems at school or at home were no longer a factor, my problem was the mountain and the only way I was going to get over it was by putting one foot in front of the other.

I believe this program will help me expand my comfort zone. At Outward Bound Hurricane Island I will have the opportunity to explore more challenging expeditions and further build my skills as a leader. I will meet more people who share an interest in these things, which will develop into relationships with people I may be able to continue to explore and discover with.