Learning the Ropes

Since we began our journey at approximately 5pm, June 7^th, 2015, we have accomplished plenty. I'm about to tell you all about that, but before we begin, just know that documenting all of these adventures is a challenge, so I will do the best that I can.

So the first thing we did was to learn about each other. Icebreaker after icebreaker, we slowly broke the ice (get it?). As the introductions continued, you could feel the anxieties and tensions melt away (get it? another ice/water pun..) Anyway, the wonderful Kristen Partridge lead our first adventure. She works at OU and teaches students incredible things about themselves and leadership. We participated in You Zoo. It is an introspective examination of your personality and leadership style. The test breaks the participants into four groups identified by animals: Lions, Porpoises, Koalas, and Eagle. Each group possesses natural strengths and natural weaknesses. The point of the exercise is not only to learn about yourself, but also others and the ways in which they work. So as we learned more about our fellow YLOKers, we made our way to our hotel (which turned out to be a little bit of a fiasco, but that’s another story). Then we hit our stride with games upon games until bedtime.

Next came Monday morning. We woke up and traversed our way to Norman, Oklahoma. Our first stop: the ropes course. Now if you have ever participated in a ropes course or any sotrt of team-building exercise, you know that it is quite an adventure. After several small games, trust exercise, and low elements, our group gained camaraderie. I could literally see bonds forming before my eyes, as people trusted their fellow classmates with their lives. I guess that’s a good way to do it, but anyway. After lunch we progressed to the high elements. This is where our adventure gained risk and thrill. The most peculiar thing happens during this portion of the ropes course. The students depend on each other, placing their lives in other’s hands as they dangle 30-40 feet in the air. With this dependence comes sense of trust, which develops friendships quicker than nearly anything else. Plus, it's just a ton of fun to do. 

After the ropes course, we made our way to OU to learn more about higher education in the state of Oklahoma. Though it may have been slightly biased, it was a great way for the students to learn about more opportunities in the state. We even talked about concurrent enrollment at OU! Did you know that students can take college classes in high school and they can count for both high school and college credit. It's a pretty awesome opportunity. Also, if you have questions about the University of Oklahoma, you are more than welcome to ask me! 

So after we finished our little meeting at OU, we went to the National Weather Center, which also happens to be at OU's campus. We got a quick tour of their facility (WHICH IS INCREDIBLE) and were able to check out some of their awesome things. Did you know that Norman is one of the leading cities in the entire world when it comes to weather? Also did you know there are jobs meteorologists can obtain in industries ranging from retail to fashion to forensics? We learned a whole lot of stuff and it was awesome. Then we were treated to a presentation from Supreme Court Justice Winchester on the Oklahoma Justice system, morals, and ethics. It, along with the pizza from Hideaway, helped bring about a great ending to our day at OU.

We then proceeded to drive to Lawton to prepare for tomorrow. Once we made it here, we had a great presentation about Cameron University that was accompanied by ice cream sundaes. And what better way to end your day than with ice cream sundaes? 

So as I type this post now, we are all preparing for tomorrow. And by preparing I mean sleeping. So until next time (tomorrow)

Andy Stewart,

Student, Optimist, and aspiring Catalyst.