Rural Life in Padamdhungri: A CAS Journey Our school field trip to Padamdhungri was an enriching experience that provided us with an opportunity to leave our normal lives behind and to explore life in the country. My stay in a base camp, exposure to the local arts, agriculture, eating local foods, and interacting with school students taught me several important lessons outside the classroom. This experience was a valuable CAS experience, as it touched all seven learning outcomes and allowed me to develop as a person, socially, and ethically.

Identifying Strengths and Growth (LO1) The trip allowed me to learn about my adaptive strength and communication strengths. I could easily engage with local students and villagers, and connect with them regardless of the language and cultural differences. Concurrently, I understood that I had to become more patient and listening to show increased understanding and appreciation of opinions that did not agree with mine.

Challenges and New Skills (LO2) Living a rural life demanded getting acquainted to the lack of resources, manual labor, and adaptation to the conditions of a simple life. It is these experiences that taught me to be resilient, resourceful, and useful in the simplest ways, such as simple farming and understanding the value of traditional art forms. Initiating and Planning

(LO3) We took part in planning group activities which included interactive games and cultural exchange with the local school students. Idea sharing and assistance in organization made our meeting as fruitful, enlightening, and pleasant to all as possible.

Perseverance and Commitment (LO4)Life in the base camp required perseverance, both in waking up early to go out to farm and deal with physical exhaustion at the end of the long days of activity. By being dedicated to the experience, I was able to participate and enjoy the rural lifestyle despite such obstacles.

Collaboration (LO5) The ability to work with my classmates played an important role in the success of the trip. We shared roles in cooking, washing, and in sorting out activities. Such collaboration led to trust, collaboration and closer ties in our group.

Global Engagement (LO6)This trip brought into prominence the problems of global concern including sustainable farming, food security and equal availability of education. Having seen the way in which rural communities make ends meet, I realized that more must be done across the world to develop the rural areas and conserve the culture.

Ethical Considerations (LO7) Ethics was a significant part of what we did on the trip. We valued the culture of the place, were inclusive in our interactions with the students and aware of our environmental footprint. Minor decisions, such as saving water and food, supported the need to be a responsible person.

To conclude the Padamdhungri field trip was not a simple field trip, but rather it was a transformative CAS experience. It helped me to experience the world of rural life, to enjoy cultural diversity and to acquire necessary personal and social competencies. The techniques I acquired during this trip resilience, empathy, and responsibility will remain with me well after the CAS journey.