David's Outward Bound Summer Trip

My first authentic introduction to the outdoors was when I begrudgingly agreed to go on a fishing trip with Will when I was 11 years old. I did not want to go, but there was a nudging feeling in the back of my mind that told me I should, that it would be good for me.  I can’t say I had a good time. After a number of attempts at casting the line directly into a nearby tree, and while Will was rehooking my pole, a fish latched onto some line and hook laying in the water from my previous casting attempt. That was the only fish we caught that day, but as the sun went down I had a moment of taking in the scenery and experience in this remote corner of the Berkshires Will had found. Returning to the car we discovered Will had locked his keys in the trunk of the car along with the 2-pound rainbow trout and we spent the next 6 hours chatting and making the best of it while we waited, hoping Lucie would receive our cry for help left on her voicemail to pick us up.


Fast forward a few years in 7th grade I was given the opportunity to board at a farm school in Vermont, Having never been away from home for more than a few hours it was a difficult decision. Again, I didn’t want to, but there was this small spark that I knew I should. It’s events like this, where I don’t want to, but know I should push my comfort zone, that my world develops a little bit further.


Going to high school, It wouldn’t have raised too many eyebrows if I chose to slack off and been the average high schooler with a normal academic resume. Instead, I went with that feeling in my head that I should try the uncomfortable option, and decided to work as hard as I could. I conquered that, and I am in the top 10 of my graduating class. Initially, I expected to go to UMass or Greenfield Community College, but Will pushed me to apply to even more selective colleges. I was skeptical about my prospects, but after having four interviews with some of the most competitive colleges in the country, it appears I’m bound to go somewhere good and extremely competitive.



I’m cognizant that I’m ill-prepared to go to one of these schools. I know that, in comparison to many of the kids attending these schools, my background and interpersonal skills are at a disadvantage. Will has pushed me to go on an Outward Bound backpacking trip, and while I only intended on going for a week, he has pushed me to go for a 30-day trip to “truly be uncomfortable”. Initially, I pushed back, but I’ve come to the conclusion that like before it something I should do.


I know the trip will help build some extra grit, and I’m ready to take on the mental and physical challenges it will present. Over the summer I’ll be working, and paying $1000 for the trip, but I can’t afford it alone. The course starts on July 11th and costs $6100, with an airfare cost of about $900. I hope you will consider donating to help me achieve this goal or show it to someone who may be interested in helping, I would appreciate it so much.