Student spotlight: Ryan Tulloch

Ryan Tulloch had a transformative year attending PWSC's outdoor leadership program. Recently, he went on a backpacking adventure with new students and shared his valuable perspective as a second-year student. Ryan witnessed firsthand how growth and experience shape one's ability to handle these trips, showing that he has come a long way from his first year. When asked about his experience on the trip, Ryan shared his insights.

PWSC: What were some of your observations during this trip as a second-year outdoor leadership student? Do you recall what it was like for you as a first-year student, and do you see how much you've grown in your outdoor skills and competency?

Tulloch: It was a lot easier than last year, for sure. I've already been conditioned to the weather, the physical fitness, and the repetition of setting up and taking down camp daily. I remember last year doing my first trip. Everything was new, and I had to figure everything out brand new. I've grown since then, mentally, organization-wise, and physically. Being in the outdoors for multi-day trips is now kind of my second nature.

PWSC: What was the highlight of this trip? Did you notice growing relationships between the new students?

Tulloch: The highlight of the backpacking trip was the teamwork that was shown. Everyone took care of their own things, and when that was done, they asked everyone else how they could help them so that everything ran smoothly. Relationships started immediately growing with the new students. They were easy to talk to and fun to be around.

PWSC: Do you have any recommendations for prospective students considering entering an outdoor education program and/or attending the PWSC outdoor leadership (OL) program?

Tulloch: A recommendation/advice for students who want to try an outdoor education program like OL would be this: don't give up on your first trip. The first trip will be hard physically and mentally. Learning everything brand new. But it gets easier on the second trip, third trip, fourth trip, and so on.

PWSC: Last question, do you recommend this program?

Tulloch: I very highly and passionately recommend OL. It helps shape a person into a stronger version of themselves and gets them out of their comfort zone. It grows them physically and mentally, teaches them patience, love of the outdoors, respect, toughness, and companionship.