Name: Samantha Major Hometown: Natick, MA Occupation: College Student Course name/year: Costa Rica Service Challenge – 2015  

1. What made you chose to do an Outward Bound Costa Rica course?

I chose to do an Outward Bound Costa Rica course because I was looking for an international adventure where I was able to help people as well. As soon as I discovered this trip, I knew this was something that I had to do. The idea of traveling to a new country was thrilling and making new friends along the way sounded like the perfect start to my summer! The service and adventure aspects just added to the mix and I knew this was going to be a trip I would never forget.

2. What is your favorite memory from your course?

My favorite memory from the course was our first day in the Soki Village because as soon as we arrived, we were surrounded by many children and we were able to spend the afternoon playing games with them. We gave them our cameras and they absolutely loved taking pictures of all of their friends and us as well. Even though there was a language barrier, we had no problems communicating through fun and games!

3. What did you learn on course that is still relevant in your life today?

I learned the value of friendship and adventure on my course. Before leaving for my trip, I was nervous that I was going to be homesick and that I wasn’t going to have fun but as soon as I arrived at base and met all of my new friends, I knew that that wasn’t going to be the case. We all instantly connected and had an incredible time getting to know one another. We weren’t afraid to be silly and this allowed all of us to be ourselves. We were all in this crazy adventure together and I don’t think I have ever laughed so much than with the girls I lived with for two weeks. I learned that the trick to the traveling is all in the company and that if you want a true adventure, you need people who are just as crazy as you are to share it with.

4. What are you up to in your life right now?

Right now, I am a first year student at Saint Michael’s College studying English and Secondary Education. I am training to be an outdoor leadership instructor for the college and I spend my free time whitewater kayaking and hiking!

5. Did Outward Bound have an impact on your life path? If yes, how so?

Outward Bound had a huge impact on my life path because I learned that if I want to truly be happy, I have to take chances and explore the world. I specifically chose the college I am at because it had an outdoor leadership program and I discovered how much I loved it while on my Outward Bound course. I believe that Outward Bound has motivated me to try new things and to always say yes to an adventure of a lifetime.

6. Would you recommend Outward Bound Costa Rica to teens? Why or why not?

I would absolutely recommend Outward Bound Costa Rica to teens because without my trip, I wouldn’t be backpacking the Grand Canyon or spending my entire summer working at a sleepaway camp. Outward Bound inspired me to go on adventures and to never spend my life locked indoors, even after my course was over. Every day I think back to the book of quotes and remember all of the discussions we had about leadership and the outdoors, and I know that I made the correct choice to attend an Outward Bound course.

7. What advice do you have for students who are considering doing a course with Outward Bound?

Take a chance. I promise that even if the idea of traveling alone to another country sounds terrifying, it is completely worth it. You will make the greatest friends you could ever ask for while on the adventure of a lifetime. As Scott Peck says, “Life is complex. Each one of us must make his own path through life. There are no self-help manuals, no formulas, no easy answers. The right road for one is the wrong road for another…The journey of life is not paved in blacktop; it is not brightly lit, and it has no road signs. It is a rocky path through the wilderness.” Also, bring lots itch cream and bug spray. Trust me, you’ll need it!   Our Alumni are always ready to share their stories, and you can find many of them on our Blog.  More importantly, if you have questions, or would like to speak to them about their course and experiences, email us at [email protected] and we’ll get you connected with alumni from the course in which you are interested.  As a parent, you may want to touch base with other parents of alumni, and we can connect you as well. You can also follow our Youtube Channel where we often post videos of our alumni some of whom have instructors for OBCR. Watch our videos of just a few of the Outdoor Leader Semester alumni (Bailey & Evan) who landed an internship with us.