By Mark Tewes
It was my junior year at the University of Michigan. As an engineering student, most of my days were spent between labs and the library. But there was more to college life than equations and projects. My roommate, Dave, was a testament to that. Unlike me, Dave was studying literature, and his idea of an exciting evening involved poetry readings and philosophical debates.
One day, Dave challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. He dared me to join him for the University’s annual “Wilderness Challenge,” a three-day outdoor adventure that included hiking, camping, and canoeing. The catch? I had never done any of these activities before. I was more comfortable with a soldering iron than a paddle.
Despite my reservations, Dave’s enthusiasm was infectious. “It’ll be a great way to take a break from all the machines and calculations,” he said. So, I agreed.
We had a couple of weeks to prepare. Dave was an experienced camper and took it upon himself to get me up to speed. We spent evenings going over basic survival skills, what to pack, and how to canoe. I was apprehensive but also secretly excited about trying something new.
The Adventure Begins
The day of the challenge arrived. Armed with backpacks and a healthy dose of nervous energy, we set off with a group of twenty other students. The first day involved a long hike through dense forests. The terrain was rougher than I had anticipated, and by the evening, my legs were protesting vehemently.
Sitting around the campfire that night, sharing stories and marshmallows, I felt a sense of camaraderie I hadn’t experienced before. There was something about being out in the wilderness, away from the comforts of our everyday life, that brought people together.
The Canoeing Incident
The real test came on the second day – canoeing. Dave and I got into our canoe, ready to tackle the river. It all went well for the first hour. Then, in an attempt to navigate a particularly sharp bend, our canoe hit a rock and capsized.
Drenched and a little bruised, we managed to right the canoe and clamber back in. But our pride (and a good portion of our supplies) was lost to the river. As we paddled on, now lagging behind the others, I couldn’t help but laugh. This was turning out to be an adventure indeed.
The last day was about making it back to our starting point. The hike was challenging, but by now, I had found a new resilience in myself. When we finally reached the end, tired but exhilarated, I felt a sense of accomplishment like never before.
The Lessons Learned
This experience taught me several valuable lessons:
- Stepping Out of Comfort Zones: Sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith into the unknown. It’s in these moments that you grow the most.
- Friendship and Support: Dave’s encouragement was crucial. It’s essential to have friends who push you to try new things and support you through them.
- Resilience and Humor: The canoe incident taught me the importance of resilience and keeping a sense of humor, even when things don’t go as planned.
- Appreciating Nature: Being out in the wilderness gave me a newfound appreciation for the environment, something that I’ve carried with me ever since.
Conclusion
While this story may not touch your heart like it does mine, it’s a chapter of my life that I hold dear. It reminds me that life is full of unexpected adventures and that sometimes, the most memorable experiences come from the things we initially resist.
This adventure was more than just a break from my engineering world; it was a journey of self-discovery and friendship, a reminder that there’s a world beyond machines and calculations.
Do you have a memorable college experience or an adventure that took you out of your comfort zone? Feel free to share in the comments below!