This year, the McLean County Diversity Project took its annual trip to the Ozarks, in Missouri. One of the goals of this year's Project was achieved with such speed and success that I didn't even notice it until Jeff pointed it out to me. That particular goal was to take us out of our comfort zones.

Once we arrived, I realized this trip wouldn't be like when we visited several national parks in years' past. There was no air conditioning, no beds, and no electricity. There were insects everywhere, including the bathrooms.

After a rough night's sleep in tents on the hard ground - the next day began with a 16 mile canoe trip. By the end of it, I was sunburned, thirsty, and exhausted. When we got back to our campground, everybody collapsed. Eventually, I dragged myself from the campground to the showers, hoping to feel clean and refreshed. This didn't happen, as the water only came in one temperature; hot. I came out of the showers and back to the campground feeling sweaty, dirty, and annoyed. At this point, I felt sure this trip wouldn't be as fun and full of learning as in years past.

But I was wrong.

Fully pushed out of our comfort zones, my fellow Scholars and I began to adapt and to learn.

The next day, we rafted through an 8 mile river route. I applied more sunscreen than was wholly necessary, took frequent dips in the river to cool off, and relaxed more than the day before. During breaks, we beached our rafts, swam in the river, skipped rocks, and played games in the water. After the rafting, we went to a waterfall and chilled in the water. When we got back to the campground, I waited for the hot water to be used-up before grabbing a shower. I felt a little more refreshed after that shower than the day before. That day, instead of just crashing, we played card games and enjoyed ourselves at the campground. Then, we debated over whether morals and values are inherent human attributes, or if they are taught to you by family and society.

The next day was a bit rougher, as we had to complete a 20 mile canoe adventure. The 20 miles was grueling and exhausting, but I did enjoy our break periods and the cool water. Afterwards, I showered (an art I had now perfected - feeling cool and refreshed afterwards). Then we debated over whether modern society's morals and values are getting better or worse.

Thursday was a nice break. We slowed it down and spent the day hiking, fishing, swimming and chilling. By then, bugs that had caused running and screaming a few days earlier, elicited only a calm 'flick-off'. At night, we debated over whether religion has had a positive or negative effect over the years.

The last full day we spent in the Ozarks was by far my favorite. We went on an 8 mile kayak route (which I highly recommend over rafting or canoeing). The kayaking was easy enough that we still had some energy to spare when we got back to the campground, so we played 'Capture the Flag'. Then we went back to the river and swam and played more 'Capture the Flag' in the water. When we got back, we all gathered around the campfire: It was 'Senior Night'.

The senior Scholars of the Project talked about how much the Project meant to them and what they'd learned along the way. The seniors' speeches all had something in common; they all talked about how shy and quiet they had been when they first entered the Project, years ago.

As luck would have it, I was with this year's Project seniors every year of their journey because I was admitted to the Project as a 6th grader years ago.

In our rookie years, we hadn't developed strong opinions on society, politics, religion, etc. By attending the interactions, debates and discussions - year after year: we learned more and more by hearing other Scholars' and adults' opinions. Over time, we formed our own views and began to come out of our shells and contribute to the discussions about issues that affect our daily lives.

On this year's annual trip to the Ozarks, more than anything, I learned about leadership. I got to experience it firsthand from the watching this year's seniors. They led the discussions, helping to give shape and form to opinions and beliefs for the consideration of other Scholars. This wasn't their first year with the Project, so they knew what was going on. They, in turn, made sure the younger Scholars knew what we were doing.

I also witnessed leadership from the younger Scholars. When a canoe or kayak flipped, help was needed. Every time this happened, people stepped up and organized a rescue effort to make sure it didn't turn into a 10 canoe pile up. Calls for help were answered by those closest, regardless of the number of years one had been with the Project.

Even when we played 'Capture the Flag', I experienced leadership as somebody had to explain, adjust and enforce the rules, and somebody had to come up with a plan. Organizing a large group of young people can be a little nerve-racking.

Also, I experienced the power of teamwork when a Scholar lost his glasses in a waterfall area. The entire group worked together in a team effort to find them after a 30 minute search.

As I enter my senior year with my fellow Senior Veteran Scholars, Sydney and Ankur: I am excited to help younger Scholars develop their critical thinking skills and confidence.

The torch has been passed and I'm eager to carry it forward.