Elliman Scholar Reflects on her Solo Experience
Hello, my name is Kaisha! I participated in the Hurricane Island Sailing Expedition with Outward Bound, thanks to the generosity of the Elliman Scholarship Program.
The expedition was daunting for me after almost drowning at the beach a few weeks prior. This was especially disheartening because of my passion for water — the feeling of being so small in something so vast humbles and inspires me to live a life that is fulfilling to no one but myself. However, the idea of living near and swimming in water became something that I thought was no longer possible. Luckily, with the support of my crewmates and instructors on the expedition, I could immerse myself in the world of water again and appreciate it in new ways. Swimming in water with depths close to 40 feet (or 7 fathoms, as I learned on my expedition) reassured me that I could tackle anything with the self-reliance that had grown within me.
After nearly drowning, I had many sleepless nights. When I applied for the Elliman Scholarship Program, I knew it was time to reflect and grow from that experience. One of my goals at Hurricane Island “solo,” when students are separated from each other and instructors, was to overcome my fear of water. (Learn more about solos)The solo was a specific activity that enabled me to turn a traumatic experience into an enriching one. During the night, I sat upright in my tent, which was sagging from the continuously falling droplets of rain, and I continued to relive the memory of being on the brink of drowning until I could go through it without being frightened. I understood how short life truly is and how I had to live every moment to the fullest potential. My carpe diem mentality had been tucked away, but it was always there, and my solo empowered me to make that mentality a lifestyle. I did this throughout my trip, whether it was jumping off a plank or going in for a dip during the middle of the day when no one else wanted to. The solo not only allowed me to reflect on my near-death experience but also taught me the greatness of self-reliance.
I grew up as the only child in a house of immigrants who worked long hours seven days a week to provide a roof over my head and dinner on the table. Solitude and independence were ingrained in me at a very young age, but it was on the solo that I could understand and deeply appreciate these moments of solitude. A sentiment shared with us moments before we left for our sites that stuck with me during my solo (and after the expedition was over) was that you must support yourself before supporting others. One of the most significant skills that I learned from the solo was how to take the time to reflect and listen to myself. I understood that recognizing feelings of shame, guilt, pride, and happiness within myself, would help me to thoughtfully understand all my friends, family, and peers. This skill will help me through all my future endeavors and challenges.
Immersing myself in nature has always been a rejuvenating experience for me. It has always taught me that I will not succeed on the first try. During my summers at the Manice Education Center, I have learned about resilience and the importance of pushing myself to overcome obstacles. Hiking was one of the most difficult and exhausting tasks I had ever been exposed to. Still, the satisfaction of completing a hike triumphed over my backache after the 13-mile days.
Manice has allowed me to acknowledge my love and appreciation for what nature teaches me about myself and the world around me. My experiences at Manice heightened my passion for nature and allowed me to deeply appreciate my Outward Bound experience. I sincerely thank you for this opportunity. I cannot wait for all the young scholars who will be able to venture out onto the Coast of Maine, gaining a new appreciation for themselves and the world around them. I hope I have another opportunity to participate in an experience like this. My passion and eagerness to do this again stem from your generosity and support. Thank you to the Elliman Family for this opportunity!
