To the North Harbour Club                                                                   15/12/2020

From the bottom of my heart, I want to say Thank you.  Thank you for supporting and enabling me to embark on such an amazing journey and experience. Outward Bound has been some of the best weeks of my life.

I am currently on my ‘solo’, taking time to reflect on my life, myself and this course so far, as well as rest on my body and mind. Without the North Harbour Club, this wouldn’t be possible.

 I have been kayaking down rivers, tramping, sailing through Queen Charlotte Sounds, slept under the stars, rock climbing completed high ropes, community service and I will soon complete a half marathon.

Most importantly, I have changed my outlook in life, I have learnt to appreciate the nature surrounding us, the importance of teamwork and support from others, and most of all that there is more in me than I realise. Each morning that we wake up at the Outward Bound School, we have a PT session and a 3.2km run around 7am. I have never realised the value of exercise and what it provides both physically and emotionally until Outward Bound.  Following our run, we dive into the ocean and then get ready for breakfast at 8.am.

I arrived here as a stranger to my watchmates, and will be leaving with lifelong friends. I have overcome my fear of heights through the support from my watchmates and the determination to be the best version of me.

I look forward to returning home to share my life changing experience with everyone, and truly believe that this course has strengthened my passion for helping people and communities, and helped grow my leadership abilities. I hope to continue the legacy of Ross Finlayson and inspire other young, capable leaders.

Once again, thankyou for providing me with some of the most challenging yet rewarding weeks of my life that will never be forgotten.

Yours Sincerely Tayla Woolley

Ross Finlayson Award Winner 2019