A Student Answers Some Questions
What's the best thing about Ridge Creek Theapeutic Boarding School?
It may sound cheesy, but I love the feeling of success and accomplishment that comes from completing the wilderness challenges. I've done things that I never though I would do. I've climbed and repelled from cliff faces, shot rapids in a canoe, and navigated in the woods with a compass. The high that comes at the top of a mountain that you have just climbed or at the bottom of a rapid that you have just run is one of the greatest things that I have ever experienced.
What was the biggest surprise coming to Ridge Creek Therapeutic Boarding School?
My biggest surprise was that I really began to like it here. I feel a part of something that is really good for me. I learn every day. I discover new things about myself everyday. It's weird, but great. Also, I discovered that the staff really cares. This isn't just a job for them. They like helping kids learn and grow. Finally, and this is probably the biggest surprise, you can change. You can learn from mistakes and let go of the past and change.
What is your favorite part of the daily schedule?
The daily schedule is pretty tough, but I guess that my favorite times, besides Fridays, which are the start of wilderness weekends, are meals. I really enjoy sitting , eating and talking to my friends. And, I enjoy free time at night in the dorm, watching television and playing checkers.
What has been your best experience at school?
There have been two. The first happened on my first wilderness climbing trip. I had always been frightened of heights and I did not want to repel from a 60 foot cliff. I stood in the harness on the edge of the cliff for at least 30 minutes, before I had the courage to step off. I did it, and it was great. The training paid off and my reactions on the way down were automatic. When I reached the base of the cliff and realized that I had made it and was being congratulated by the instructors and the students, I felt like I could do anything, It was amazing. The second thing that I think of as one of the best things that has happened to me here is in academics. I was always just getting by. I just didn't care. My English teacher at RCS, made me care. He helped me understand the value of learning. One semester later, I worked my way up to solid good grades in all of my classes. Now, I am approaching graduation and I have already been accepted into several colleges. When I think about this now, I am amazed and proud.
