Self-esteem has to be earned by stepping out and taking a positive risk; taking on and overcoming a positive challenge.
Be the person you can be, apply today.
I grew up in Mountain Lakes, NJ where I attended MLHS. I was a solid student, who also enjoyed a number of extra-curricular activities. I later came to realize that although I loved competing, it was the camaraderie of these groups that motivated me to succeed.
My town is known for lacrosse and like many students, I was recruited to play in college. I decided to attend the University of Scranton. Instead of making the decision on what school would be best for me, I chose based off which school was most interested in me. I do not regret my choice, but I have to admit I was lost when I first arrived at college and as a result, I struggled.
It was during my second semester of freshman year that my friend Sally Ryan introduced me to NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School), which at the time seemed like a daunting challenge, but I knew I needed a change.
I did a 3-month trip to Northern India, where I spent the majority of my time in the Himalayas. The experience gave me a sense of being a part of something bigger than myself. While I was there the culture of the Indian people, beauty of nature and the hard work reminded me of the importance of integrity. Integrity, not only in how you act towards others, but in what you do and how you do it.
I vividly remember one day of my trip. We had finally arrived at that evening’s camp site about two hours behind schedule. My small group had made a few navigational errors and we ended up on a goat path instead of the actual path. This lead us through numerous obstacles and made for a very trying day. Although the day was filled with chaos, I can say with pride, the group I was a part of handled it as a team and prevailed. While my group debriefed, the other small groups generously set up our camp for us, and we spoke of each of our experiences while sharing a couple of Snickers bars we had brought from the States. I will always remember how we all felt in that circle, each trying to put it into words. All I can say is we felt a part of something, something you know is true and worth every ounce of sweat you can give.
After returning from my trip, I was more confident, but most importantly I saw myself and my passions clearly. This passion led me to receive a BFA in Interior Design from New York School of Interior Design and I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Architecture from Pratt Institute. NOLS gave me so much, but most importantly it gave me the confidence to know myself and my goals.
I encourage anyone lucky enough to qualify for the Ryan Outdoor Leadership Trust, to seize the opportunity and apply.
The awarding of grants from the Trust will, initially, be limited to $2,500 in any calendar year. The grant may be up to 50% of the cost of the wilderness program. Ideally, the cost of the applicant’s program would be paid one-third by the applicant, one-third by the applicant’s parents, and one-third by the Trust.
Starting Grant
active members
so far
Ryan Outdoor Leadership Trust
Thomas N. Ryan, Trustee
43 Pollard Road
Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046