I participated in my school’s trekking trip to Igatpuri, a town in Maharashtra. During this trip, I had a set a goal to challenge my physical and mental capabilities so that I can work collaboratively with other people, demonstrate leadership skills, and engage in issues of global significance. While also having fun with my friends, this was a memorable trip and I learned many new things while onboard.

Learning Outcome 1 — Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

During this trip, I discovered my physical stamina to be a strength but acknowledged a need to improve time management and planning skills. Identifying strengths and weaknesses aids in making informed decisions about personal development. Improving time management would reduce stress and enhance productivity during tasks on future trips.

Learning Outcome 2 — Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

During the trip, I faced various challenges, including navigating through rainy conditions at high altitudes, which caused fatigue and difficulty ascending the mountain. Despite falling multiple times, I realized the importance of taking the journey seriously while also seeking enjoyment with my friends. These experiences provided valuable lessons and training for future endeavors. One skill that I developed was my trekking skills as this was my first time trekking, so I spent a lot of time with the trek advisors and learned navigation from them.

Learning Outcome 3 — Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

During the trip, we planned interactive activities with students at a local governmental school, aiming to foster a sense of fun and camaraderie. All of us collectively planned the day with the students at the governmental school. We played games like Kho-Kho, football, and kabaddi with them to engage them and create a comfortable environment for interaction. This initiative strengthened our bond and created a sense of belonging as we enjoyed the journey together.

Learning Outcome 4 — Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

Though it was a 2 day trip, living in a town area near the hills wasn’t usual for me and was something outside of my comfort zone, which is why I demonstrated commitment and perseverance towards the CAS experience during the 2 day long trip wherein we engaged in so many different activities throughout the day including: trekking, visiting schools, walking long distances, playing, etc. that tired me in the ending of the day.

Learning Outcome 5 — Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Collaboration played a crucial role throughout the trip, particularly due to my health issues. Fellow travelers provided assistance and support, ensuring tasks were manageable. During treks, everyone ensured each other’s safety, minimizing falls and accidents. Especially, when I was almost about to fall, my friend Yugsinh Gharia had saved me and supported me while I regained my balance. Collaboration extended to environmental responsibility, with all pitching in to clean up trash around the dam. This teamwork facilitated efficient organization of the trip’s activities and schedules. Additionally, creating smaller groups improved interaction with government school students, enhancing their enjoyment and minimizing chaos.

Learning Outcome 6 — Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

The trip highlighted the pressing issue of cleanliness, with widespread littering around the dam due to community negligence. This problem directly affects Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) concerning life on land and underwater. A major objective of the trip was to raise awareness about this issue. Additionally, efforts were made to contribute to the SDG of quality education by engaging with students and organizing fun activities to address their challenges. These initiatives were unique and served to spread awareness about the global issue of cleanliness.

Learning Outcome 7 — Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

While visiting the students of the governmental school, it was important for me to recognize and consider that my choices and actions might hurt their sentiments since they invited us to their school. Hence, it was my responsibility to take ethical actions and not do something that would hurt the sentiments of the students studying there. Therefore, the trip allowed me to recognize and consider that when someone invites us, it’s very important to consider the ethics of choices and actions as hurting their sentiments is wrong.

During this trip, I developed various learner profile characteristics including:

• Caring
• Open-minded
• Principled
• Communication
• Responsible
• Risk-Taker

I was caring when I helped the people over there without expecting anything in return. I was open-minded enough to not judge them for who they are, but to connect with them as a human being. I was principled as it was important for me to behave properly nor just because I’m representing my school, but because they’ve extended their heart forward by inviting us in their school. I used my communication skills to better connect with them by being responsible for the ethics of my actions and choices so that I can increase the effectiveness of my communication with them. I was a risk-taker as I went on the trekking for the first time and directly climbed a hill.