How Outward Bound Canada shaped my path to Ivey Business School: Lennon Turco’s story
Picture yourself on the brink of a vast wilderness and experiencing a mix of excitement and fear. That was the beginning of my journey. This adventure led to me receiving Advanced Entry Opportunity (AEO) status at the esteemed Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario. I will begin a dual degree program in September 2024 with an Honours in Business Administration (Ivey) and a Bachelor of Engineering Science (BESc). This program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity in Canada and I’m overjoyed to be a part of it.
Thanks to the life-changing experience I had during my Connecting with Courage experience with Outward Bound Canada (OBC) and thanks to the Maddie Project, I have taken an important step on my journey to Ivey in the summer of 2021. In this post, I reflect on this pivotal adventure that played a key role in my admission.
The team and I set off on a 7-day journey with OBC to the stunning wilderness of Strathcona Park in British Columbia in August 2021. Through the rigorous mental and physical challenges of this course, I developed in ways I never expected. During the course, I participated in many challenging hikes, leadership exercises, and survival skills training. The experience I gained in these skills contributed significantly to my personal development.
Our exciting journey began at the headquarters campground, nestled along the picturesque Tsolum River. When I was introduced to our instructors Cass and Chantal and the other participants, I felt joy, excitement, and nervousness. The first day was spent getting acquainted with the group’s sleeping arrangements and gear, as well as packing for the wilderness trip. This laid the groundwork for the challenges ahead and created a sense of camaraderie within the team.
The second day of our journey to Kwai Lake was 6.8 kilometres in length, marking the beginning of our true wilderness experience. Both our physical endurance and mental fortitude were put to the test when we were required to carry heavy packs over mountainous, uneven terrain. Despite the challenging circumstances, the team and I were able to finish the hike with a smile on our faces.
One of the most defining moments of the course was the summit attempt of Mt. Albert Edward. Despite our best efforts, we had to turn back just an hour from the summit due to unfavourable weather conditions. This was not an easy decision to make, but it highlighted the importance of prioritising the safety of the group above the ambition of the individual. Reflecting on this experience, I realised that true leadership often involves making tough decisions for the greater good. My instructors noticed my ability to voice my opinions confidently and my willingness to put the needs of the group ahead of my own. Here’s what they had to say:
“Lennon was a large pillar in our crew during the course. He showed fantastic leadership qualities and voiced his opinions openly and confidently. He faced a big challenge on Day 5 when our group had to turn away from the summit of Mt. Albert Edward due to weather and timing, but after taking some time by himself to reflect, he was able to conclude that the decision to turn around was what was best for the crew. He learned the importance of putting the group’s needs ahead of his own wants, and that right there is an amazing quality in a leader! We saw Lennon excel during the group challenges and craft components and would highly recommend he seek out other wilderness-based opportunities in order to continue growing his excitement and passion for the outdoor world! Keep adventuring and connecting with your courage, Lennon!” –Cass & Chantal
The skills I developed during my OBC course and the challenges I overcame became a cornerstone for my application to Ivey Business School. I was able to translate my wilderness adventure into a narrative of personal growth, resilience, and leadership in one of my admission essays. The skills I honed, the challenges I overcame, and the leadership qualities I exhibited resonated with the core values Ivey seeks.
Now, as I prepare to begin my dual degree program at Western University in the fall, I reflect on the journey that brought me here. My experience with Outward Bound Canada was not only an adventure, but also a catalyst for personal growth and a demonstration of the power of experiential learning. This journey has shaped me into a resilient, capable leader ready to take on the challenges of the engineering and business world. I hope my story inspires others to seek out their own transformative experiences and to always connect with their courage.
About the Author:
Lennon Turco is an aspiring engineer and business leader, starting a dual degree in engineering and business at Western University in September 2024. He is passionate about the outdoors, community service, and finance. You can connect with him through his email or LinkedIn.
Email: lenturco630@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennonturco