Earlier this year, I was incredibly fortunate to receive a fully-funded scholarship to participate in the 3-week Outward Bound Mind, Body & Soul course. It’s hard to put into words what the experience meant to me—not just the course itself, but the long, winding journey it took to get there.

A Challenge Worth Pursuing

For most of my life, I’ve struggled with fitness and keeping up physically with others. But joining my school’s bouldering club changed everything. I pushed through limitations I once believed were permanent, and for the first time, I truly felt resilient. That resilience sparked a desire in me: I wanted to test how far I had come.

My friend Ariana had received a scholarship to attend the Mind, Body & Soul course the year before. Although the course deeply interested me, I never thought I could afford to go. That changed when Ariana invited me to an alumni event. I had no idea how much that evening would shape my future.

A Moment of Courage

At the event, alumni shared stories in a casual, open mic-style format called “Pop-Corn.” As I sat and listened, I debated whether I had the right to speak—I hadn’t even attended the course. What could I possibly contribute? But then I realised: I could offer gratitude.

So I said, “Pop,” and stood to speak. I thought of my great-grandfather, who, after the war, took his entire family, including six children, on a small boat to explore the world. It was reckless, dangerous, and likely illegal by today’s standards, but it was a journey driven by curiosity and the desire to connect with his heritage in the Isle of Skye, Scotland.

That same spirit of adventure has lived in me ever since I was little. But due to financial limitations, I always believed that dream was out of reach. So I spoke—nervously, unexpectedly—about how grateful I was that opportunities like Outward Bound exist, especially for those facing financial hardship. Ms. Young and Ariana’s mother teared up. I felt dizzy with nerves, but that night changed everything. I knew I had to try.

The Road to Scholarship

I emailed Ms. Young asking for guidance. Together, we planned that I’d draft emails to Outward Bound and Spirit of Adventure. On a holiday evening, an unexpected email from Ms. Dick landed in my inbox: an invitation to apply for the JR McKenzie and Rotary Club scholarship.

Many emails and an interview later, I got it.

The next hurdle: the trip was just a month away. Travel costs were rising, and I was missing half the gear on the list. I didn’t even own a suitable travel bag. I borrowed what I could from Outward Bound’s gear stockpile and taught myself how to book transport and gather what I needed. For the first time, I navigated all of this independently. That alone was a milestone.

The Course Begins

On the ferry to Picton, I started chatting with someone who looked like they were also headed to Outward Bound. It amazed me how quickly we built a meaningful connection—in just one hour. Though we weren’t in the same group, their presence at mealtimes and short conversations made my days a little brighter.

By contrast, it took nearly the entire three weeks to begin connecting with my own team—my “watch mates.” We were so different. Sometimes it felt like I barely knew them, even by the end. But that taught me something too: not all connections come instantly, and that’s okay.

Pushing Past the Pain

I began the course with a long-term injury in both ankles. The schedule felt like never-ending standing, walking, and running. Every morning we ran 3km in under 25 minutes. I started at 21 minutes and only got slower as the ankle pain worsened.  Despite everything, one day I decided I could do it and I did – completing the 3km without stopping in under 16 minutes. I was sick with effort, but overwhelmed with pride. I had done what I previously thought impossible. Unfortunately, by the end of the course, I had overloaded my ankles, could barely walk, and couldn’t run a single step, but again, this too was a learning experience; don’t actively make an injury worse.

I dreaded running at first, but somewhere along the way, I started craving it—a reminder that even the challenges we resist can become part of who we are. For now, though, my body needs rest, and that’s okay.

Lessons, Laughter, and Growth

There was so much laughter throughout the course—so many inside jokes, so many moments of support. Coming back to base camp after time in the wild felt like luxury: a hot shower and a proper meal. But what I gained most wasn't comfort. It was the kind of growth that only comes from being pushed to your edge, or picturing and drooling over the delicious sweets and takeaways waiting at home.

Outward Bound was more than a course—it was a transition into adulthood. I learned independence, resilience, humility, and the importance of seizing an opportunity.

Final Thoughts

If I hadn’t spoken that night at the alumni event… if I hadn’t asked… if I hadn’t applied… I never would have gone. I would’ve spent the holiday like any other—sleeping in, letting the days pass.

Instead, I had the experience of a lifetime.

It wasn’t just the opportunity itself, but the journey it took to get there.

So thank you to everyone who supported me along the way. I couldn’t have undergone this journey without you. And to anyone reading this: if an opportunity presents itself, take it. You never know what adventure is waiting on the other side.