Shackleton Leadership Expedition 2016

A  group of SOTA student leaders embarked on the Shackleton Leadership Expedition to Manali, India, from  24 October to 3 November. Named after the polar explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, the trip is part of the series of leadership expeditions that SOTA organises annually for students and the journey included a 5-day hike across the Manali Pass that stretches through the lower Himalayan Alps.

Prior to the expedition, students had to go through a series of preparations ranging from researching and learning about the requirements for the trip, to engaging in a gruelling physical training programme.

“I was given the opportunity to train with my peers, share our pains of climbing a flight of stairs at Mount Sophia 10 times, but ultimately climb a mountain at a high altitude of above 4000m.” Yong Lyn, a Year 5 student, shared.

The students embarked on the trekking expedition with determination and were in high spirits. The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the 4600m-high ascent near the Manali Pass that the group successfully accomplished!

Matthias Teh, a Year 5 student shared, “No man is an island. Individually, we are weak. But together, we give each other strength. The concept of this has always been something that I was aware of but not something I've seen in practice. In our climb, there were many moments where my teammates, myself included, wanted to give up. But the spirit of the team and the presence of everyone else cheering us on and moving forward was enough to motivate me to move forward, keep climbing and not give up."

Throughout the expedition, the students learnt more about themselves, the importance of working together, and discussed leadership principles. They also gained valuable insights into the local culture of Manali and were awed by the beautiful natural scenery.