Jesus Dominguez-Gomez first read about Adventure Risk Challenge (ARC) in his local newspaper, the Merced Sun Star. Excited and curious about spending his summer in Yosemite, he began to ask teachers and counselors about ARC. Within a couple days of learning about the program and receiving encouragement from his teachers, he submitted his application . Much of this exemplifies who Jesus is. He is strong-willed, determined, and self-motivated.
These traits were on display during the ARC 40-day summer course as Jesus hiked 60-plus miles, performed personal poetry, and climbed peaks. In Yosemite, Jesus realized that his strong-willed, independent nature, while helping him endure challenging hikes, also sometimes prevented him from trusting others. He admits, “I would refuse to receive any help that was offered to me. It felt shameful to ask for help. It made me feel like I was not capable. Mentally, I was afraid to depend on and trust strangers.” Because of this, Jesus had difficulty working efficiently with his peers and even more difficulty discussing why.
Recalling his ARC experience, Jesus remarks, “Joining ARC became an opportunity to learn to appreciate help. I was inspired to confront the challenge, work in a team during ARC expeditions, and gain confidence in accepting help.” rock climbing expedition was when Jesus realized he was ready to change. It can be a daunting experience for most first time rock climbers – trusting your safety to people below who are belaying. Most everyone feels like they will fall, so it truly is an act of complete faith to know you will come down safely after traveling fifty feet up a rock face. “My experiences with ARC taught me to acknowledge that, although I’m capable of being independent, I was not a ‘solitary island’. I needed to learn to ask for help and appreciate it. Struggling in hard times alone would only make my situation worse.”
After rock climbing, Jesus was able to more positively accept critiques from his peers. He was also able to better communicate how he was feeling. This proved to be immensely helpful for Jesus once he returned home from the summer course. When Jesus was faced with the task of applying for colleges this fall, instead of insisting he do it all on his own, he reached out to his ARC mentor and high school counselors.
Reflecting on his experiences, Jesus says, “When I know I really need help now, I don’t hesitate to ask. ARC played a major role in shifting my ideas. I [now] have better relationships with my friends. I’ve also been able to open up emotionally to my mentor, something that I haven’t really done before. Before I would be very isolated.” Jesus will graduate this year from Golden Valley High School. He looks forward to attending college and living independently, but not isolated from others. He plans to study law and politics and will be interning in Congressman Jim Costa’s office this summer.