On October the 24th, early in the morning, our orientation trip to Kithulgala started. Around 6:30 we were already on the road. The drive took around 3 hours, leaving us enough time to wake up and mentally prepare for action. When we finally arrived, we only had time to put down our bags before getting back on the bus that would take us to white water rafting.

Before getting on the rafting boat we had a quick introduction about the activity and the skills it requires. Not long after, it was finally time to start. I remember the moment I got on the boat, I felt the river strongly pushing us downstream. The river was cold, blood was rushing through my body and all kinds of emotions were running in my mind.

The one thing that the trip taught me is to live in the moment. Every time we approached a rapid, jumped off a rock in the canyon I asked myself, “when are you going to be given the chance for this again?”

I also learned how to expand my knowledge by practicing what I leaned in class in everyday life. For example, when we were sent into the forest to measure biodiversity using a technique called quadrant, I was finally able to use my understanding to complete the task. We planted 4 wooden stakes 1 meter away from each other to create a square shape. Then, we observed closely the different species that were found within the quadrant and counted them.

Short lunch break before canyoning. (Picture by Huirong)

The overall experience is unforgettable, it was my first time in a tropical forest and first time trying all the activities. I really enjoyed the trip and the way the activities and the plan for the days were organised. Unfortunately the trip lasted only 3 days, however it was a great way to get out of the city and still learn outside of the classroom.

Learning Outcomes: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process; Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively