An essential experience for any young adult!!!

I participated in the Pacific Coastal Expedition from NOLS Patagonia branch during a gap year between high school and college. I had always heard about NOLS courses and how they were "life-changing." I didn't buy it. It seemed like more responsibility and commitment than I wanted on my gap year. Looking back on it, I can't imagine a better way to spend a month in a year where my priorities were to grow and develop into a better human being. NOLS taught me the value of mental toughness and grit. While those seem like things that could be learned in a less extreme environment, I have yet to find an opportunity that has given me the same perspective and compassion that my NOLS trip did. Every day on a NOLS trip is a life lesson and you leave your trip with a wealth of knowledge about yourself and the world around you. It has been over a year since my trip and I think about it every single day in one way or another. For anyone who is hesitant about taking part in a NOLS trip, I would say it will always seem more difficult to handle until you're in it and to take the plunge. You will not regret it!!