Duration: 15th September to 17th September 2023

I recently partook in a two-day trekking trip to Igatpuri as part of my CAS experience. This reflection will touch upon several key learning outcomes, including self-awareness, taking on challenges, perseverance, collaboration, and global engagement.

Learning Outcome 1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
The trek itself presented a physical test like no other I had undertaken before. Climbing up the mountain trails pushing my endurance levels was difficult at times, as the path was steep and rocky in parts. Yet noting my steady progress against the natural scenery sparked motivation to keep going despite moments of fatigue. Reaching the top felt hugely rewarding and revealed hidden strengths in myself to persevere through discomfort.

Learning Outcome 2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
Climbing up the mountain trails pushing my endurance levels was difficult at times, as the path was steep and rocky in parts. Yet noting my steady progress against the natural scenery sparked motivation to keep going despite moments of fatigue. Reaching the top felt hugely rewarding and revealed hidden strengths in myself to persevere through discomfort.

Learning Outcome 4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
Reaching the top felt hugely rewarding and revealed hidden strengths in myself to persevere through discomfort. What struck me most about the trip however, was interacting with the local Igatpuri community. Teaching English lessons to students at a village school highlighted challenges faced in accessing quality education in remote areas. Communicating with the receptive children through games and activities required improvising outside my comfort zone.

Learning Outcome 5: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
Teaching English lessons to students at a village school highlighted challenges faced in accessing quality education in remote areas. Communicating with the receptive children through games and activities required improvising outside my comfort zone. I learned effective collaboration comes from actively including all views.

Learning Outcome 6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
Observing simple yet fulfilling rural lifestyles also fostered deeper empathy for global sustainability issues. Discussing such insights with peers consolidated how direct exposure strengthens our shared global citizenship. As students once dependent on textbooks for learning, this immersive experience brought development concerns vividly to life.

Conclusion
Overall, meaningful experiences like the Igatpuri trek effectively pushed me beyond ordinary limits. Facing challenges in remote conditions nurtured self-awareness alongside a renewed commitment to making a collaborative difference on issues that surfaced. I feel leaving school better equipped with practical life skills and a global perspective that will continually guide my choices and engagement beyond this CAS program.