On September 10, students and teachers set out on a three-day hike to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls and Clouds Rest for the culminating event of Venture Academy Family of Schools’ and one.Alternative Education’s innerDISCOVERY. Outlook spent time talking with one.Lodi students Alberto Cruz, Steven Crawford, and Justin Gillet about their experience.
Q: When asked, “what is an innerDISCOVERY?”
They answered in harmony: “an opportunity to discover your inner-self by pushing yourself and working in unity with others.” The students shared that they hiked a grueling seven miles to Upper Yosemite Falls. The uphill climb challenged them in ways they have never experienced and will not forget.
Q: What have you learned about yourselves?
Justin: “You need heart and determination to make it to the top.”
Steven: “If you push yourself, you can make it.”
Alberto: “I know I can do things I never thought I could do.”
Q: Would you say you have bonded with others from this experience?
Steven and Alberto: “Yeah.”
Q: How?
All: “We were together for three days. We worked together, and encouraged one another.”
Q: What did you like most about the end of your innerDISCOVERY?
All: “The amazing views from the top of the mountain. None of us have ever seen anything like that before; it was awesome.”
Brandy Thurman, innerDISCOVERY mentor and one.Lodi teacher, shared that innerDISCOVERY challenged everyone, both physically and emotionally. “The best part was taking the students to enjoy the beauty of nature.” Thurman also stated that the relationships formed during this adventure bulldozed socioeconomic, racial, and lifestyle differences. To learn about one.Alternative Education, visit www.sjcoe.org/alted. For information about Venture Academy Family of Schools, visit www.ventureacademyca.org.
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