Conquering Fear

These student thank you letters outline the way that I helped them overcome their fears of the dark. Students often mention the night hike in their thank you letters because it is the peak of their lean into discomfort throughout the week. Students are often nervous on many levels to embark on the night hike and I guide them through the support and confidence they need to challenge their own perceived limitations.

When I take students on a night hike, we have a conversation about expectations, worries, and fears during the day. I have found that talking about what the experience is going to entail and answering questions during the day time can set a group of students up for success that night. It also helps us optimize our short time to adventure in the dark.

Students, like most humans, are fearful of the unknown. The forest at night can be a scary place, so we discuss what differences might occur during the day and night. The biggest difference that usually comes up is nocturnal animals, so we brainstorm who lives in the forest and what kind of animals we might hear. When the students realize that we are the scariest predator out there and they might get to hear owls, frogs, and the occasional deer, I can see their bodies physically relax.

Part of why I take my students on night hikes is to help them learn how to show support for their peers and build team camaraderie. When I ask students what this support should look like, groups are able to come up with impressive lists of how they can support their peers both physically and emotionally. If they are struggling to add on, I remind them to think about how they like to be supported when they are feeling scared and that typically gets the conversation moving.

By the time the night hike rolls around, students know what to expect and have already processed some of the jitters they are feeling. Despite all of this preparation, they are invariably giggly and chatty, the nerves bubbling out of them. But as we settle into our hike and move away from the lights of main campus, students often grow quieter; less and less giggles escaping as they begin to notice the peace of the night around them.

On all of my night hikes, I facilitate a solo section where students are encouraged and expected to walk alone for a moment. Students are always within shouting distance of me and can call out for encouragement or help at any moment. They are nervous as they stand in line, waiting their turn. Sometimes there are tears; sometimes they say “I can’t do this.” However, they always do and when they reach my high five or hug, they are so proud of themselves. The tears and the fear and uncertainty dissipates. These feelings are replaced with pride, confidence, and excitement. More often than not, students ask if we have time to walk alone again, only this time longer. We never do, but I encourage them to remember this feeling, this moment, when they conquered a fear and changed the way they perceive their own limitations. I tell them to remember this moment so that the next time they are faced with a challenge that feels impossible, they know they can do it, especially with the support of their community.