On July 8th we wrapped up our first 11-day Stepping Stone Course of the summer – a powerful journey that blended outdoor adventure, writing, community, and self-discovery. Our students faced challenges on the trail, reflected deeply through journaling, and built lasting connections with nature and each other. Today, we’re honored to share a story from Joseluis, a high school student whose courage, growth, and voice remind us why this work matters.
Finding His Place in the World
Joseluis stood with his backpack strapped tight, carrying both excitement and nervousness. He didn’t know what lay ahead for the next 11 days; he only knew this experience would be good for him. And he was right. From the very first steps into Yosemite’s wilderness, Joseluis began to feel something shift. Surrounded by leafy green trees and a group of strangers who would soon feel like family, he found himself opening up emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. “It surprised me that I was able to open up to the people around me,” he shared. “They were strangers, but I was still able to be myself, to push farther than I thought I could. There was a special hue to it.”
One of the most transformative moments for Joseluis came on the steep ascent to Moon Ridge, a grueling 1,200-foot climb that tested every ounce of his strength. As the trail grew steeper and the air thinner, doubt crept in. “The mountains were rigorous. They were demoralizing me,” he remembered. But when they reached the summit, and the valley sat below – waterfalls cascading into quiet pools, sunlight painting the ridges – something shifted. “It was enchanting,” he said. “I was really proud of myself. It was worth every single struggle, every huff and puff.”
But not all mountains are made of rock and dirt. On the day his cohort went rock climbing, Joseluis met a challenge that was more mental than physical. “It was the first time in my life where I didn’t have control of my own safety. I broke down crying.” Letting go was terrifying. At first, he swore he’d never try again. But then, watching his peers confront their fears, something stirred. “I asked for my best buddy and said, ‘I’m going to try again.’” With gentle guidance from his instructors and a new trust in himself, Joseluis climbed higher than he ever thought possible. “I learned that I needed that challenge.” And in pushing through it, he found something even more powerful than courage. He found belief in himself.
Channeling that self-assurance into leadership happened for Joseluis in a quiet, powerful way. He led not with command of, but with compassion for, his teammates. His leadership style grew from laughter, support, and collaboration. “I stepped into leadership with everyone’s personality in mind,” he explained. “Instead of being the strict leader, I tried to be funny and thoughtful, someone people wanted to follow.” Whether or not he held the title of Leader of the Day (LOD), Joseluis remained a steady guide, always ready to step in and support. “Everyone had a huge role, no matter what. It taught me how important it is to involve yourself fully in a team,” he said. Jose learned the value of every role: whether a navigator, chef, or dishwasher, each person was crucial to the group’s success.
Spending 11 days surrounded by stillness and sky, Joseluis began to notice what he tended to overlook in his everyday life: the hush of wind through the leaves, the rhythm of his own breathing, the quiet power of simply being. Without a phone in hand, the world slowed down. “It made me appreciate the small things,” he said. “It was a breath of fresh air.” Even journaling, something he once resisted, became a window into wonder. He began to write with purpose, on the trail, under trees, atop Moon Ridge, capturing the words of a life lived with intention. In his manifesto about his personal values of growth, love, and passion, he wrote:
“Growth is the start of the universe. And it will be the deciding factor for it. Growth is what we all need. But most importantly, it is the value we have to choose. When growth doesn’t seem present, it is simply just un-noticed. Remember, to live is to grow. You grow every day. With every single mistake, fall, or even thought, you have grown to be the person you are right now. However, if you have yet to see that about yourself, simply learn where you don’t yet see it and live to the bar. Then do it again. I want you to grow more and more even if you don’t want to. We are not to be burdened by not enough, rather by too much. Grow to live the most. Grow to learn the most you can as we only learn as much as we want in this life. Finally, grow to love the most.”
At their final campsite beside a roaring waterfall, the realization hit: it was all worth it. In that moment, surrounded by nature’s beauty, he felt a strength rise within him, not from being seen, but from seeing himself clearly. Joseluis returns home transformed, knowing now that he is his own guide, and that growth, love, and passion are values he’ll keep choosing every day. When asked what ARC means to him, his answer was simple: “ARC means the world to me. It helped me find my own place in it.”
Thank you for taking the time to read Joseluis’ story – a powerful reminder of the transformation that can happen when young people are given the space to reflect, lead, and grow in nature. We invite you to join us in celebrating more voices like Joseluis’ at our Voices of Youth event on Wednesday, July 30th at 5:30 PM in El Portal. Please RSVP soon, so that we order enough food. Come witness the courage, creativity, and growth our students are excited to share.
In community,
ARC Team