This summer I had a job in Minnesota as a canoe guide at the Boy Scout high adventure base out of Ely.

It was my responsibility to lead groups of up to 8 adults and scouts out into the wilderness for extended adventure. As such, I was trained in Wilderness First Aid and given an emergency radio. As part of this training, we were expected to deal with several first aid situations many of which involved not only dealing with an injury, but dealing with adults who may become hysterical. We were trained to remain calm and in-control; only we were ever allowed to use the emergency radio and only we should ever be talking to base. I heard of incidents like this happening during the summer, but this is not where I acquired my selfconfidence. This occurred on a day-off I had - the base received an emergency call about an adult who had suffered a gash on the knee. We had 8 hours to evacuate him and get him to a hospital before stitches would do nothing for him. So some other college-age people and myself were dispatched with orders to meet up with the crew and provide first aid as necessary. My physical strength was tested that day because we had to canoe and portage 20 miles round trip in under 4 hours, but more importantly, since we succeeded in getting him to safety, I learned that I could be as capable as any other older person. This self-confidence was critical for the job I had. The crews I received tend to create an opinion of you during the first few hours you are together on base. Before I had only pretended to be confident in what I was doing, but now I truly did realize what I was capable. Ever since then, if I know I am experienced or capable in a subject area, I am not timid about expressing my opinion or giving advice, even when someone older gives contrary advice. This did not make me cocky however, I fully realize when I am out of my depth. This incident of saving a man and being entrusted with such great responsibility made me realize that I am a fully capable human being and my confidence should reflect that.