Q: What made you interested in participating in Outdoor Lab? What were you hoping to learn or experience?
My name is Zander De Jager, I am a Junior at Evergreen High School. I have been a High School Leader twice for Outdoor Lab, and both times I had different reasons for applying. My first time I applied on the basis that going as a 6th grader was just such a fun experience and that I wanted to bring that experience to more 6th graders. However I realize now that I was more than that. My second time applying had a much deeper meaning and reason. The impact that my first experience had on me and learning about myself is what drew me to apply for a second time. I wanted to go back out there and learn even more about myself and who I am as a person. I never had any expectations about Outdoor lab and what it would be like, but man it was one of the greatest weeks of my life and I would apply every week if I could. That is how much Outdoor Lab has affected my life and me as a person.
Q: What was a memorable experience during your time at Outdoor Lab? Was there something specific that made you proud to be a High School Leader or proud of yourself?
A: One of my favorite memories is spending time with all of the other High School Leaders in the dining hall during hopper duty. We spent so much time just laughing and telling stories about our lives.
This exact memory is where I found some of my best friends from Outdoor Lab. It's one of those memories where you can look back upon and realize that it had an impact on who you are today and that is why I appreciate it so much.
Q: What skills did you gain or improve through this experience? How have these skills been helpful to you in school or in other parts of your life?
Outdoor Lab has taught me so many skills that I still use everyday. One of the biggest is resilience. Outdoor Lab tested me to my very core. Not just because you hang around hundreds of 6th graders everyday but also because it challenges you as a person to grow. Coming out of a week of Outdoor Lab puts the whole world into perspective because it shows you that if you could teach a class by yourself in the middle of a snow storm or a heat wave that you can go that extra step in class or practice. Outdoor lab taught me to test myself and the resilience it gave me, because the only way to grow as a person is to challenge yourself deep enough to shake the core.
Q: How did this experience influence you? Did it change your perspective, goals, or plans for the future?
A; It's really crazy to think about the impact Outdoor Lab had on me. Not only did it help me grow as a person but it also helped me learn more about myself than any experience I have ever had. First it taught me that my future is not defined. I don't have to rush through my life trying to reach a goal, it's the memories of getting to that goal that is the best part. Second, It taught me how to find my own happiness even when it seems like there could be anything but. Lasty and probably most important, it taught me to be resilient. Outdoor lab taught me that no matter what choice I make in life, by being resilient and trusting myself, I CAN get to any goal or dream no matter how crazy or big it may seem.
Q: What would you say to someone who is considering being an Outdoor Lab High School Leader?
A: For anyone on the fence about going to Outdoor Lab, I can't put into words the impact that Outdoor Lab had on me. It was the place where I made some of my best friends and best memories. There was never a time and there will never be a time that I regret going, because no matter how much homework or practice you have to make up none of it will compare to the laughs and the stories that Outdoor Lab will give you.
