On the first day of the DTL trip, before we even hit the road, one of our Strides staff members told me this would be a life changing experience. I didn’t doubt her, but it definitely made me curious. And now, I can happily say she was right!!!

We did so many fun things during the trip, but some of the biggest highlights for me was when we went swimming. It was such a fun time being in the pool (it was a really hot day too) with everyone and watching my roommate cannonball literally every 30 seconds. Funniest thing ever!! We also had a campfire where we made s’mores and did silly shadow puppet shenanigans with my friends, which was just a really wonderful time. The whole area was so beautiful too (just like the people at DTL), surrounded by nature. We walked around the river and through the trees, and honestly, it reminded me of back home in Sri Lanka.

We also had a lot of group activities, and what I liked most about them was how they were designed so we could constantly meet new faces. It made it so easy to connect and make new friends. And of course, you can’t forget about the “Talent Not Required” talent show! hands down the most fun I’ve had in a very long time.

But more than all of that, what meant the most to me was meeting the other TNM members. I’ve always struggled with socializing, and for the longest time, I thought I was doing something wrong. But during this trip, I connected with people so naturally. I was just being myself, no overthinking, no trying to fix anything. I wasn’t masking. And yeah, there were moments I felt anxious and vulnerable, but I still felt safe being me, even in those moments.

Not having to mask made me realize that maybe this was never really about something being wrong with me. Maybe I just needed to be around people who share the same mindset, who give back the same energy and compassion. And I’m so happy and grateful to say that I’ve found them.

This trip gave me so much confidence in who I am and who I want to be. It showed me that I can unapologetically be myself, and there will always be people out there who get me, just as I am. I’m beyond grateful for the friends I made, and I truly hope I get the chance to come back to DTL next year.

This really has been a life changing experience. If you’re ever thinking about going, do it. I wish it was something I could share with everyone, because honestly, I don’t think words will ever fully explain just how special this environment is.