Students reflect on ropes course experience

The following is sampling of comments from Mt. Scott High School students following their experience at Youth With A Mission ropes course on September 10-11, 2008:

“…I let my fears wash out, released from my mind, body and soul because you only live once so why not try new things and see what you’re capable of?”

“…no matter how much you know someone, you support each other like a team and encourage each other to go that extra step.”

“It was so hard but at the same time so fun and one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. We had to work as a team and encourage one another. I think we brought back faith in each other and more self-confidence.”

“I had so much fun. I was nervous at first because my friend wasn’t going, but I felt like I needed to get over the fear of doing something by myself without her. It was a big step for me and I’m so glad I went. I had a blast and can’t wait to go back next year.”

“One thing I took from the experience was how everybody in the group, whether we were friends or not, worked as a team and supported each other. I got a good feeling inside when I saw that throughout the whole place there was 100% positivity everywhere you looked.”

“I was really scared on the high things but everyone cheered me on and made me feel comfortable, and I tried to do the same for them. I think that if people acted like that outside of the course the world would be a better place.”

“This group of girls was all eating lunch together. I thought, ‘This is odd. I don’t feel like competing in a popularity contest of who’s the coolest.' We were all just talking, sharing food and ideas. It was so relaxing to just not care. It was a great, genuine moment.”

“You get put into groups and spend the day with people you go to school with but don’t normally hang out with. You talk and work together with everyone, not just your friends.”

“I didn’t expect it to be so fun. I learned that I could trust people even if I didn’t know them all that well. I learned to ‘pull hard for each other’ not only with friends, but for everyone in school.”

“The ropes course was one of the most fun things I’ve ever done. It was amazing. It took a lot of courage and teamwork.”