My Glen Brook Experience

Memories of the first four weeks of Gap at Glen Brook, Fall 2020 by Talia P.

Four weeks ago, if you told me I could really be myself, surrounded by almost strangers, I would have completely disagreed. Now, just one month into the program, I am aware of my self confidence, acceptance and the friendships I have made to last a lifetime.

But wait, I am getting ahead of myself. I arrived here on September 6th, shy and confused. I was preparing to be away from home for the longest I had ever been and I was completely disconnected from the outside world.

We started our semester together with 3 weeks in a wild camp where we would eat, sleep and spend all our time almost exclusively outdoors. I looked around at the unknown, masked faces, asking myself how I could be myself in this new environment. I don’t remember much of the first week. Difficult challenges, energetic animals and of course, a swim test. I am not the strongest swimmer and I finished last. But I remember that as I swam up to the dock breathless, I was cheered on by my new friends.

Week 4 was the Canoe Expedition. We were bussed up to Jackman, Maine, where we canoed along the moose river for the week, a total of thirty miles. As we battled blisters and the ever changing Maine climate, all around us the trees gave off their brightest fall colors. As a New Englander myself I was not expecting to be taken aback by the foliage, but I am still in awe of the beauty I witnessed.

Being out in and reconnecting with nature has been as rewarding as the new bonds I have forged and I am forever grateful for this program that has allowed me to step away from the day to day misery that has been 2020. I am truly looking forward to what comes next.

Talia