Ilia Corella Hometown: Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands OLS Spring 2015 Alum Ilia transitioned from student to instructor with the Outdoor Leader Semester after completing her course in Spring 2015 and then working as an Outward Bound Costa Rica Field Instructor Intern during the summer season. She couldn’t wait to work as an intern on all of the Scuba & Sea Turtle Adventure Girl Scout destination courses in Panama. “I [was] mostly excited about sharing similar experiences that I grew up with in the North Pacific,” she said. “I enjoy introducing young people to new experiences, helping them face their fears, and making them feel comfortable. It feels so great to make a difference in young girls’ lives as a role model.” Ilia also had the opportunity to work additional Group Program courses with Girl Scout troops. She learned about Girl Scout philosophy and witnessed the sisterhood and friendships that were crafted on these adventures abroad. “I thought working with the Girl Scouts this summer was truly amazing. Seeing the bond that they shared– I really felt the love and support that they gave each other and me. They are always positive; they are always singing. They love life and they are always willing to push themselves, and I’m really fortunate to have been able to work with them.” Although the summer is now over, Ilia will stay in Costa Rica and continue to work with Outward Bound Costa Rica as an instructor for several more courses to come throughout the year. Congratulations, Ilia, on your transition from student to instructor with the Outdoor Leader Semester! Learn more about Ilia and her journey from student to instructor with the Outdoor Leader Semester in this video below featuring awesome footage from Ilia’s own GoPro: [youtube link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyeZk6X0QmE”] Spaces are still available for this Fall’s Gap Year & Semester courses including the Outdoor Leader Semester and Coast to Coast Expedition Semester. Submit an inquiry or enroll now!