In Their Own Words: Stories of Growth and Transformation from MIS Stud...

In Their Own Words: Stories of Growth and Transformation from MIS Students' Summer Himalayan Treks

Category Experiential Learning

By Harshitha Polathula

2024-10-07

Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing over 9,000 students join us on life-changing treks. Listening to these young adventurers share their experiences has been a source of inspiration, and we believe their stories deserve to be heard by everyone. 

For the students of Mussoorie International School (MIS), their April treks to Brahmatal, Kuari Pass, Kedarkantha, and Deoriatal Chandrashila were filled with moments that pushed them beyond their comfort zones, opened their hearts to the beauty of nature, and deepened bonds with their peers.

In this article, we’ve woven together their reflections, in their own words, to paint a picture of what these young trekkers truly learned. From overcoming personal challenges to discovering new skills, each student’s journey is a testament to the power of outdoor learning.

Overcoming Personal Challenges and Fears

Fear is a natural response to the unknown, especially in the vast wilderness. For many, the prospect of facing these fears can be daunting, yet it’s through this confrontation that personal growth begins.

Saumya, who trekked to Kedarkantha, shared, “I confronted and conquered my fears during this experience. Specifically, I had a fear of heights, but I actively worked towards overcoming it and progressing forward. It helped me become more self-confident.”

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For Jasmine, the trek was a revelation: “Despite being viewed as a stubborn and mischievous child in my family, this experience allowed me to uncover hidden abilities within myself. Taking on the role of a leader within my group revealed that I have the potential to be an effective leader.”

The act of facing fears head-on—whether it's the fear of heights or self-doubt—unlocks hidden reserves of courage and potential. In the mountains, far from the comforts of everyday life, these young trekkers discovered that their limits were far greater than they had imagined. The confidence and leadership skills they developed are lessons that will echo long after the trek, and equip them to face future challenges with newfound resilience and self-assurance.

Connection with Nature and Environment

Trekking in the Himalayas offers more than physical benefits, it stirs a deep connection with nature, which has profound effects on mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Studies have shown that this connection can significantly improve mental health and one’s attitude, and many of our students experienced this firsthand.

Back in their usual routines in the cities, any free time that students have is usually in front of a screen. It is very rare for students to get an opportunity when they have an extended break from their screens.

Trekking in the mountains is one such opportunity where students are immersed in the lap of nature for multiple days. It is a great opportunity for students to focus on the positive aspects of life, while challenging themselves physically. 

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Shubhangini, reflecting on her Kedarkantha trek, said, “Participating in the trek helped me connect with nature. I learned to appreciate the beauty of trees and flowers. I also learned that learning happens when we step out of our comfort zone and are ready to take up challenges.”

Teamwork and Collaboration

Trekking is not a solo endeavor; it demands teamwork and collaboration, which are vital life skills. The experience of working together to overcome obstacles builds strong bonds and teaches valuable lessons.

Part of Outdoor Leadership Programme for Schools includes activities for smaller groups where students are required to collaborate with each other to achieve a shared outcome. By design, students are motivated to work together and not in competition with other students. 

In such a setting, students drop the existing roles they have learnt to play at school, and all students in the team learn how to take responsibility for a situation and delegate tasks accordingly. 

Students learn how to cooperate with one another for a common goal. In the mountains when they face the consequences of their actions and decisions, they learn the importance of good leadership, learn to develop their own leadership style and build confidence in the new skills which they pick up, such as communicating to achieve a goal such as pitching their own tent.

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Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

At the Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning, we design treks to include spaces for reflection, which are crucial for personal growth. In Kolb's cycle of experiential learning, reflection plays a crucial role in transforming experience into meaningful learning. Simply having an experience is not enough; without taking the time to reflect, the insights and lessons that could be gained may be overlooked or forgotten. Reflection allows individuals to analyze and make sense of their experiences, connecting them to broader concepts or future actions. This process of thoughtful consideration is essential for deep learning, as it helps to solidify knowledge and prepares individuals to apply what they've learned in new contexts.

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These moments of silence and introspection allow students to process their thoughts and emotions, leading to profound personal insights.

Ratanpriya found this during a silent walk at Kedarkantha: “The silent walk in nature provided me time for reflection, allowing me to get free from my negative thoughts.”

Similarly, Divya noted, “The silent walk allowed me to process my thoughts, introspect, and release all the negative emotions.”

At Deoriatal Chandrashila, Alyza underwent a significant transformation. She had been aloof and rebellious from day one. However, she was the first one to take up the responsibility of waking everyone up. During the debrief, she opened up to say, “I was far worse than this; I have been an aloof person since I was a kid. I am getting better and I thank the team for always being together with me, even when I was not with them”.

For Eitrika The journey itself was more meaningful than the destination. “The journey was better than the destination,” she summarised, highlighting a moment of solitude at Tilandi campsite as she watched the sunset while sketching.

Acquisition of New Skills

Trekking in the Himalayas provides students with the opportunity to learn new skills, from survival techniques to practical life skills like packing a rucksack.

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Asees appreciated the hands-on learning experience at Kedarkantha: “Being in nature and performing tasks the jungle way was a valuable learning experience for me. I gained knowledge about the proper walking technique, enabling me to walk faster and for longer periods comfortably.”

Liana spoke of how the trek helped her gain essential mountain survival skills, something she had always desired to learn, having grown up in a family that cherished the mountains.

Ultimately, the skills acquired during a trek are lifelong assets. They improve problem-solving abilities, and deepen one's connection to the natural world. Students return from these treks with not just memories but also a new set of tools that empower them to face future challenges with resilience and adaptability. Through these treks, they become more self-reliant individuals who are better equipped to navigate both the mountains and life itself.

Building Confidence and Perseverance

Trekking is a powerful tool for building confidence and perseverance. The physical and mental challenges of the trail force trekkers to push beyond their perceived limits, leading to a stronger sense of self and resilience.

Sakshi learned the importance of persistence: “I learned the importance of not giving up and maintaining a determined mindset.”

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Manya faced moments of doubt during the Kedarkantha trek but ultimately found strength in perseverance: “The trek provided me with a valuable lesson in time management and perseverance. Over the course of two challenging days, I faced moments where I nearly gave up. However, pushing through those difficulties and ultimately reaching the summit brought an immense sense of achievement.”

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At Kuari Pass, the students' initial skepticism gave way to confidence as they successfully completed the trek, leaving them with a newfound belief in their abilities.

The confidence gained from pushing through these trials is not fleeting; it leaves an indelible mark, empowering students to tackle future challenges with renewed belief in their abilities. 

In Conclusion

As we reflect on the stories shared by the students of Mussoorie International School, it's evident that their summer treks in the Himalayas were more than just a physical journey—they were a profound exploration of self, nature, and community. Each student's words are a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the outdoors, where challenges become opportunities, teamwork fosters deep connections, and moments of reflection lead to personal growth.

These treks are not just about reaching a destination but about the journey within—discovering resilience, developing confidence, and cultivating a lifelong connection with the natural world. The lessons these young trekkers have learned will undoubtedly shape their futures, equipping them with the skills and mindset to navigate life's challenges with grace and determination.

In sharing their stories, we hope to inspire others to step into the outdoors, embrace the unknown, and experience the growth that only the great outdoors can offer.

Learn more about our experiential learning programmes for schools here

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Harshitha Polathula

Content Writer (InSOUL)

About the author

Harshitha curates content for the InSOUL team at Indiahikes.

Before joining Indiahikes, Harshitha worked as a project officer in EU-funded projects in the fields of Education and Social Innovation in Germany. As she worked in a start-up, her core work included everything from writing proposals to managing social impact events.

Harshitha grew up in a valley surrounded by hills and spent a lot of time hiking. This upbringing in the hills has shaped her as a human being. Over the years she has reflected on how spending time outdoors and especially trekking impacts the mind, body and spirit. She wants to share that joy with everyone through her work at Indiahikes. Interestingly, her journey with Indiahikes goes back a long time as she was initially a Green Trails intern in 2018 during her undergrad.

Outside of work, Harshitha loves exploring new cultures through cuisine. She also enjoys reading and baking with friends. Yet spending time outdoors and watching the sunset is her all-time favourite. As she said this, she recalled a line by Jhumpa Lahiri from her book 'Whereabouts' that, "sunset is an everyday miracle that most of us manage to miss."

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