At the time I chose this program, I had nothing going for me and was pretty lost, but thanks to my mother, I found Warriors, and when I got there, I knew that everything was going to be okay and would be worth it; I just had to be open to new experiences and that helped me to push myself in ways that I didn't know I could.
Alumni Spotlight: Vittorio Contaldi
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
The organizers helped and showed us how things were done around there, but other than that, it was up to us to take responsibility for ourselves and make our own way in comfortably, as it should be.
I've been on a few camps and events, but nothing was ever as organized, as it is at Warriors and the organizers made sure that we were busy and engaging every day.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Make sure to have proper track shoes and running shoes. I didn't at first and it made things a bit hard, but everyone there in charge is really good at helping you find what it is that you need and, although I felt nervous about some events, the organizers always made me feel comfortable and ready and I really appreciated that.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
An average day consists of waking up bright and early, starting with either a solid run or cycle. Breakfast, followed by the activity of the day, whether that being a new skill that we'll learn, venturing out to experience a new place, then lunch then personal time, then dinner followed by whatever grand thing we do in the evening.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
I wouldn't say there was any fear, just a feeling of uncertainty where I'm going and what's happening, but once I had arrived there, I knew that I was in the right place, with people who cared and who wanted to see me grow into a better person.
My fear of uncertainty changed by just taking things in their stride and just pushing myself wherever I needed to.
Are participants safe during the program?
Other travelers might want to know if it's safe and if they'd be okay as our country is always going through some issues, but at Warriors, you are nothing but safe and taken care for.
Of course, that doesn't mean you are going to get pampered and get breakfast in bed or anything like that. You're going to take care of yourself and if that idea scares you, then Warriors is definitely not the right place for you.