While scrolling through my university emails one night, I came across one from the student government newsletter that had an opportunity for an experience called LeaderShape.

I was involved a lot in service and leadership and high school, and so I was excited to see that there was an opportunity just like that in college.

I was a little nervous about deciding if I wanted to apply or not since I knew no one else doing it, but I thought hey, I've already done so many scary things this year and they all turned out to be some of the best decisions I've ever made.

So I stayed up late that night perfecting my application.

A few weeks went by and I got the email that says I was accepted and invited to attend the six-day retreat in the Poconos.

I was so thrilled but also so nervous. I didn't know what exactly I would be doing, I worried about if the people would be nice and if they'd like me, and I worried if I'd have a good time.

We had to attend an orientation so I got the courage to go and I was instantly shocked.

Everyone was so kind, passionate, and fun to be around.

I knew this was going to be one of the best experiences of my life.

The day to leave my home for the week finally came, and I had so many emotions going into it.

Right away I made friends with people, and that reassured me that everything was going to be okay.

We got to the campsite and it was GORGEOUS, besides the rain and cold of course. (Which, by the way, I thought I was going to die from frostbite the first few days with the low temperatures and no heating) but the weather started to get nicer half the week into the program.

I can't really put the six days I spent in the woods with little to no cell service into words, but it was simply life-changing.

I learned how to step out of my comfort zone more and be myself, I made friendships I know will last, I found what I'm most passionate about, and I was extremely empowered.

I wish I could do it all over again. If you ever get a similar chance to do something like this, take it with an open mind, you'll be surprised to see what you get out of it.

Thank you, LeaderShape, for giving me the confidence I needed, the best friends I could've ever asked for, and the inspiration to reach my goals and visions.