The Book of Generations is a book made by Outback students out of leather that is full of inspiring messages written by teens on the day before they leave the wilderness. This book is passed down from student to student and each teen is given the opportunity to write their message to the next “generation” after them. Here is an inspirational message from the Book of Generations:
My journey has been long and full of wonder, anger, pain, and love. The place that is around you has changed my life forever. I have gained a new family here, and have missed another. Your group is your life here, work with them, learn from them, and respect them. They can be your brothers. Let go of your anger, let go of anything you are holding onto. This is a place for a new beginning, a place for peace and thoughts. Ask yourself is this who I want to be? Always be yourself, but be open to change, be open to learn, everything is your teacher. If you seek knowledge and seek change it will come. Be a leader, but know when to follow. Always strive for the best, and take pride in everything that you do. This place can be the best time in your life or the worst. You can make it whatever you want. Don’t be afraid to ask, but don’t be afraid to experiment. The staff are your friends. You will learn more from them than anyone else besides yourself. A staff once told me part of becoming a man is being able to enjoy the beauty around you. Outback is an amazingly beautiful place if you stop and enjoy it. If you want to be honest, start with being honest with yourself. “It is better to ruin your reputation then to tell a lie.” Always remember you are in control, it’s what you do with it that makes you who you really are.
It’s hard to imagine what my life would be like without my Outback adventure. Throughout my journey I have learned so much. About myself I have learned to let go, strip away things that overshadow me being who I want to be and later become. There’s magic in this field, I kid you not. No matter what reason you are here, what type of person you are, or what your strengths and weaknesses are, you will learn. Sometimes you will learn obvious lessons, but some are more subtle so always be paying attention. This applies to anytime in your life, no matter where you are or whom your with. Be patient and respect your brothers out here, they are the ones who can teach you most, even those that may seem unlearnable from. Outback of course has more to offer than lessons. Enjoy the beauty of this desert. Take time to see sunsets, watch the snow fall, hear lightning crack, the oaks leaves change with the seasons, a small stream nestled in a patch of quaking aspens, and of course the inspiring view atop one of the mountains here. Take all of that with you too. There’s far more to do than learn here also. Take the time to teach. Pass your knowledge and experience onto new students. And finally, be a leader. Whether that means helping someone or setting a good example. Leave this place better than when you arrived. Above all enjoy yourself, time here goes by quickly and this opportunity comes maybe once in a lifetime. “Make it a good day.”
“Yesterday is history, the future is a mystery, today is a gift that is why it is called the present.”
-Stoic Wolf
