Inspiring Alumni - Rebecca Dearden - Outward Bound

Inspiring Alumni - Rebecca Dearden

Rutherford 639

Professional, Life after OB

Starring on national TV is not something Rebecca would of dreamed of doing before OB, but after completing a Professional course in March 2018, Rebecca is doing just that. As a cast member on Adventure All Stars Rebecca gets to fulfil her goal of service by raising money for her chosen charity Keep NZ Beautiful.

I attended an OB Professional Course in March 2018. I was in Rutherford 639. Attending OB (even for just 5 days) was one of the most profound and life-changing things I have done. The challenges faced and overcome with an amazing group of watchmates and the insights and learnings we got with the great facilitators and instructors is hard to top. I have been on numerous courses that aimed to do what OB actually delivered on.

I left Anakiwa a much more resilient and confident person. I have a much better understanding of myself, what is important to me both professionally and in my personal life. OB gave me a chance to reflect and think, as well as opportunities to push through fear, try new things and to pick up a pen and write my first poems in over a decade.

Two things really stuck with me.

  • Your attitude is key. You can’t always control what happens to (or around) you, but you can control how you react to it. I have received feedback from managers and colleagues since OB, in regard to how resilient and patient I now am when faced with adversity.
  • Take every opportunity presented to you. I did this on our last day at OB by reading my newly minted poems aloud to my watchmates; the first poems I have ever shared with anyone.

Recently I was offered another opportunity to challenge myself, both physically and mentally, while giving back to the community. I have embraced this with open arms and am now a cast member for the next season of Adventure All Stars. This TV Series features real-life cast members undertaking an unforgettable journey and will be broadcast nationally. Produced by the internationally acclaimed Charity TV Global the project combines adventure, travel and philanthropy. Prior to attending OB this is something I would have thought was a neat idea but not actually had the confidence to do.

Pre-filming I am proud to be raising funds for Keep New Zealand Beautiful. This long-standing environmental charity works at the grassroots, national, and international levels to promote environmental conservation; to build climate resilience and inspire communities, especially our children; to foster youth pathways and sustainable livelihoods. All net proceeds from this award-winning TV series will directly support this great cause.

It would be amazing to have the support of the OB community to assist me in this life-changing journey (and to see me star on National TV!) please click on this link for further information relating to my television debut and how your generosity will help. 

Rebecca Dearden, Rutherford 639

Rebecca (front row, third from left) and Rutherford 639

 

Rebecca