After a long, long week of pre-season training, I was invited to attend a leadership expedition with several other students. It was a diverse group consisting of members from the soccer team, Student Government Association, Student Athletic Advisory Committee, Residence Hall Association, the cross country team, Mercy Presidential leaders, student ambassadors, etc. The event took place at a camp called Outdoor Odyssey, a non-profit organization specializing in the development of leadership skills, team-building and adventure.

We were split into several groups in order to perform certain tasks on a low-ropes course. These exercises involved planning and strategizing as well as physical endurance. The main goal was to work together as a team using various forms of communication. It also helped to be a little creative. :o) For example, in one of the tasks, we had to imagine that we were mountain climbers trying to cross a ravine using only a rope to swing us to the other side. We could not touch the ground while swinging for if we did, the whole team had to start over again. However, there was a catch. There's always a catch! We had to transfer a large jug, filled with imaginary water, to the other side as well. After several attempts, we were still at square one. I asked our guide if we could use anything on our person to transfer the jug and she told us to give it a try. Immediately I reached for my belt, looped it through the jug and then strapped it around my shoulder. I grabbed a hold of the rope and leaped for the other side, landing safely with the water jug. I felt like Indiana Jones! :o)

We did several other exercises before heading to the high ropes course which involved rock climbing, rope ladders and other obstacles that were suspended in the air. I definitely learned a lot about working as a team and communicating with others. It was an experience that I will never forget, and I hope to do it again someday. The entire day was so much fun, and I got to spend it with all of my friends!! We topped off the day with miniature golf, pizza and ice cream. What a perfect ending...ha-ha. After all of that work, however, I had never been happier to see the gates of Mount Aloysius College, because it meant that my room in the residence hall was only a few steps away...and I was so tired. :o)

So, my friends, until next time...

Laura