I hope you like rice and beans.

The Leadership Semester at CRROBS was unlike any experience I have ever had and, for me, surpassed all expectations. The activities and training were diverse and the instructors were knowledgeable and fun. There was never a dull moment as every day posed an unpredictable new challenge.

Going into the semester I knew that the training was going to be mentally challenging and physically demanding, but what I did not anticipate was the way it would affect us as a group. The challenges we faced together brought us closer than I ever expected. Not to say there weren't trials and difficulties along the way, but overcoming these issues within the group taught us a lot about ourselves and each other. I learned more about patience, tolerance, and problem-solving than I would have dreamed as a result of our group's varying needs and close quarters. I was expecting to push my physical limitations, which I most definitely did, but what I got was far more than that. I got a course in human interaction, an immersion experience in a new culture, as well as an exhaustive class in outdoor leadership.

Our training began with river rescue and for many of us, it was more than we had initially bargained for. Felipe and company didn't just throw us into the deep end of the pool, however, they made sure that we had the tools we needed to ensure safety for all participants and taught us first-hand the protocol for many whitewater rescue scenarios. This established an inherent foundation for us in swift water which was continued on three other rivers to further solidify our training. We spent a total of 25 days on four pristine rivers working on skills varying from paddling techniques to simulating rescue situations with one goal in mind: to get comfortable on the river. This was accomplished by raising the level of difficulty every day and by the end of the course, a class III rapid was no longer intimidating. In fact, many of us were confident guiding a class IV.

Our training continued with Phillip Perez. Phil taught us two classes: Wilderness First Responder and Technical Ropes Rescue Operations. These classes were both in-depth and required a lot of class time (which meant we drank a lot of good coffee). Phil did an excellent job emphasizing the practical aspects of the classes and highlighting scenarios from personal experience. Through these classes we learned how to handle various rescue situations and Phil was always available if we needed more help or wanted to practice.

In addition to all our formal training, we hiked over 50 miles through the cloud and rain forests of Costa Rica and spent time on an island in the Caribbean sea. Spending nights camping out under the stars as well as inside hand-constructed homes with generous and nurturing families, our experience became more of a cultural one. We learned about the area where our instructors grew up, practiced Spanish with their families, and learned about indigenous culture. In Bocas del Toro, Panama, we were able to camp among an indigenous society, scuba dive in Caribbean Reefs and play soccer with the locals.

The education I received at CRROBS was priceless. The Leadership Semester had a diverse curriculum and I learned a lot about leading several types of back country adventure, but I also gained great friendships, a furthered awareness of my own capabilities, and a more authentic sense of self.

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