Hong Kong Expedition (NYAA)

Challenging would be too undermining of a word to describe the journey NYAA pushed me to pursue. This journey was one which created everlasting memories, of the good, as of the bad. Of course, where there was the view from the ‘mountains’ we climbed, the rewarding moments of finally reaching a campsite after a long day, and other rewards, there came the sweat, anger and even tears throughout the trip.

It wasn’t something I appreciated at the moment, but am grateful for regardless as it made me into a better person. From the internal conflicts we all faced, to those we said out loud, it brought us together and pushed us apart but as a group, we stuck together and learnt to overcome these obstacles. There was a time once, before the first day itself where the group decided to sit and have a chat, to talk about our concerns, our expectations and personal goals. It was a private, only 8 member discussion from which we pushed away other friends and members which would have seemed rude but nevertheless something we needed in order for us to work together, better. The conversation generally was going well, some distractions here and there but nothing you wouldn’t expect from a group of lost teenagers. But tension soon started rising, and unlike a spark which set out all wild, I could see where the conversation was going. We started to become louder, wanting to be heard, less so listening which was the main point of the talk itself. Then out of nowhere, someone recalled something a member of the group had once said. This something wasn’t the politest or even close to meaningful enough to say. It resulted in one or two tearing down, while the others had to call the teachers for help before the beginning of the actual trip.

It all happened in moments, in the middle of the night, before our actual trek. I was mildly shocked at this fact but believed that I could keep it together for us all. I would try hard to help everyone. I was somehow very motivated, hopeful even which was strange, even for me. I tried my best by sharing my snacks, and sense of humour with the others. It definitely sort of helped. During the day, we all became better in keeping the situation under control. It was probably because they wanted to support those – mainly me – who wasn’t very physically fit or were sick during the trekking.

It was an incredibly thoughtful thing for my group to do on their part, and in return, it did make me feel so much better, physically and emotionally. One of the group members offered to switch bags with me, his being lighter whilst mine was not packed very well and therefore much heavier. It made me realise, that I could and should try to do better on my part in ways I can. This motivated in helping the other members by doing simple things, like cooking for them or giving them water during the hike to Shark Peak and even helping them do a successful bottle toss. It made me into a bigger person really, the actions of these people.

It also helped me grow strong, physically. Before, I never could have imagined being able to hike and trek for such long hours in such inclined locations. I may not be able to lift more than fifteen kilos of weight, but I definitely can work longer and harder with these weights. My stamina has definitely improved, and this is incredibly beneficial for my overall physical health.

Not to mention, that this trip also made me reconsider my packing techniques. I think I am left with much to think about my own skills.

Another one of my skills I was often loud about was being able to love and share space with animals. Boy was I wrong! Just throw in a wild boar, food going missing, and someone around you breaking down because of it, to bring your beliefs crumbling down. The key though as I have learnt now is: food and sleep. As simple as that, and you solve more than half the problems. This wild experience definitely brought me back to reality to make me re-evaluate everything I knew about myself, but more so taught me that there is not much one can do but let someone else be, and just stay as a presence there as a sort of support. If this person doesn’t want help, there is nothing you can do but be there anyway. I realised that it wasn’t my fault, or theirs even. It was just in human nature, and sometimes you have to let nature be.

The NYAA Expedition to Hong Kong taught me much more than I initially realised, even during the trip I never truly considered all that happened, and merely let the thought go. But what is there to learn if you do and forget? I think that reflecting on this expedition in itself is a skill which I have developed being a part of NYAA, which I will take onto helping other aspects of my life.

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