Tag: Blog

From Youth Service to Social Impact: Service Academy’s Evolving Mission

Can a simple act of service spark a lifelong commitment to social change? And if so, can it empower the next generation of changemakers? The answer is yes. At Service Academy, we’ve witnessed this transformation firsthand, and it’s inspired us to evolve our mission. We’ve always believed in the power of young people to create positive […]

Adventure as a Medium: Lessons from 40 Days in the Himalayas

The Many Faces of Adventure Adventure is an expression of self-identity. A man of shorter stature, made up for this many times over by his commanding presence and easy confidence, has been guiding NOLS courses in these mountains for almost 15 years now. His deadpan humor, I-can’t-tell-if-you’re-joking-or-not sarcasm, and sagelike knowledge have led him through […]

What Do the Next Few Years Look Like?

“What do you want to study in college?” For years, my answer to that question was vague but simple: “Whatever helps me understand and tackle big problems and feel fulfilled along the way.” But as college quickly approaches, I’ve had to get more specific about how my college experience can actually equip me to tackle […]

From Screen Time to Summit Time: Reflections on Our NOLS Himalayan Adventure

“Get outside!” “Go explore!”  As kids, hearing these phrases from our dad used to make us groan and roll our eyes as they cut through the haze of whatever video game or TV show was currently engrossing us. We felt frustrated; the idea of leaving our screens behind to wander around outdoors seemed pointless, even […]

The Planner’s Paradox: Embracing Chaos in Our Gap Year Adventure

We are planners, through and through. Whether it’s a quick trip to catch some waves or mapping out an entire year’s worth of activities, our family thrives on meticulous preparation. We avoid the unexpected with careful planning, keeping everything running smoothly. So, when we decided to embark on a gap year, it was natural to […]

Bridging the Gap: How to Choose the Right Gap Year Programs

When we started planning our gap year, we were hit by what felt like a tidal wave of options.  From volunteer opportunities around the world to experiences closer to home, the sheer variety of gap year programs left us feeling almost as overwhelmed as we were inspired. With so many possibilities for adventure and growth, […]

Mind the Gap: Diving into Service, Adventure, and Self-Discovery

When we told one of our closest friends that we were planning to take a gap year, we were met with a startling question: “But why?” To us, a gap year seemed like a crucial next step in our journey to become more effective changemakers. But for our friend, it wasn’t so obvious. That’s when […]

From St. George’s to the World: Our Gap Year Adventure Begins

We’ve just closed an incredible chapter of our lives at St. George’s School, and what a strange feeling it is! One day we’re following our familiar routines — heading to the dining hall, laughing with friends between classes, and hitting practice with our teammates. The next, we’re making our own breakfast, free to hike or […]

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