OSC Day 1!!

Today's blog post is written by Nathan Omprasadham.

"Day 1 of Borderlands was an emotional rollercoaster to say the least. One that hardly went down, but seemed to maintain a steady climb as we stretched ourselves farther, pushed ourselves further, then stopped to look back and realise that we had only just begun. From crossing rickety old bridge to literally “going with the flow” down a river, there always seemed to be a fresh experience to surprise us, to make us reconsider what we knew and how we could change ourselves for the better.

Right off the bat we were given a task that seemed simple, yet we all knew held it’s own set of challenges. We were asked to find our way to camp, but with a guide that was only as reliable as our own eyes and minds. Blue ribbons acted as silent sentinels, tied along the path we were meant to take, but oftentimes positioned to intentionally lead us astray. Our small groups of 5 slowly began to work out systems, pick up on clues, and work better with one another, and it made the simple action of getting from point A to point B that much more gratifying. When looking back, I can firmly say that the single most challenging aspect of our day was not freezing water, the slippery slopes or even the ever present fear of facing the unknown, but instead was the simple act of lowering a stick to the ground. The so-called “magic stick” became our personal, psychological hell. Shouts and accusations flew across our grade as we attempted to move a stick that was balanced precariously across our fingers to the floor. It put a harsh yet realistic spotlight on the second of the four stages of teamwork: “the storming”.

The day followed with more physical challenges as we delved into the world of canyons. Acts as simple as standing were pushed back as we embraced all our limbs in order to move forward. The ever-present rush of the river accompanied us as we slipped, slid, leaped, and swam our way through nature’s obstacle course. The thing that impressed me most was not the fact that everyone made the biggest jumps and steepest slopes, but the fact that people would, without prompting, help their fellow man. The weak swimmers were pulled on by the strong, the struggling climbers could count on the able, no one hesitated to lend out a helping hand and everyone was happy to accept it. It was great to see every one of those people attempt the extended part of the rapids course, but it was better to see them helping and encouraging each other every step of the way.

We ended our day’s activities with a moment of zen as we formed small circles in the river and simply let it carry us home for the night. I’d love to say I had fun, but it was more than that. I saw the grade I have spent a good portion of my life with in a whole new light, all through the silent wisdom of the river."