Day 7: Chicken to Chicken by Tegan Inns

On day one of this program, I was surrounded by all new people. I noticed people starting to make connections and felt as if I was missing out. I tried talking to others using awkward icebreakers. As I spoke, I realized everyone felt the a similar uncomfortableness. If you told any of us on the first day of the trip about our experience coming on Friday, I don't think anyone would believe you. We all started as chickens, too scared to speak to each other. At midweek we did a trust circle during which we began to realize we weren't alone. Reflecting on today I realize how much my connection with the group has changed; starting with our presentations. Usually, I'm very stressed and anxious during anything in front of a large group. When I saw all the smiling faces of the people I have grown to love, all anxious thoughts left my body. Even when I was stuck on a question Susan asked me, I started to feel embarrassed, but I looked around the room and could feel the support from the others which made me appreciate the amazing people in the room, and a little sad knowing we may never see each other again after tomorrow. Following the presentations, we went to the beach for a free swim. Immediately in the water we began laughing and playing. Even Karar, our RA, joined our volleyball circle. Gibson, Alyssa, and I made it our goal to teach Karar how to body surf which brought smiles to everyone's faces because he was not very good at it. The title may confuse you, so I'll explain; after spending a little time in the water, someone challenged Alyssa and I to a game of chicken. in which you sit on each other's shoulders and try to knock your opponent down. We were all so comfortable with each other that throwing each other off of our shoulders came naturally to us. We all spent the entire time in the water; no one wasted a minute. We talked, swam, played, and floated in the ocean for over an hour without feeling bored. We had all become so close that being in the sea together was a fulfilling experience. By the end, Karar had caught a few waves, so we were ready to head out, of course, all riding a wave. The ocean creates bonds that you only notice later. Ready for our evening presentations on our self-growth, I looked out the window and saw the most beautiful sunset I had ever seen. We all ran out of the house and down the road to see it better. It was a beautiful moment; the sky almost matched our feelings. The feeling of being a chicken, afraid to participate was gone. Instead we experienced one connected family, with our day ending falling asleep on the couch watching Spider-Man.

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