Lou Henderson
Outward Bound – an organisation that helps people reach their full potential through challenge in the outdoors - is often credited with changing people’s lives. It certainly lived up to that reputation for Lou Henderson, who completed a course there when she was 13.
“It gave me a strong connection and pull towards a life and career in the outdoor industry,” she says. “And the more time I spend in the outdoors surrounded by fellow outdoor educators and enthusiasts, the more I’m reassured that this is a career path and lifestyle that I’m grateful to have found and fallen in love with at such a young age!”
Lou’s Outward Bound experience led her to do more outdoor pursuits at high school and then enrol in a Certificate in Recreation at Ara in Timaru, followed by diplomas in outdoor education and management, also at Ara.
Lou loved the idea that her education could extend well beyond the four walls of a classroom. “My biggest learning and growth as a young adult occurred outside of those four walls, whether it was on top of a mountain or face deep in a white water rapid. The programme encouraged me to push past what I thought was possible and gave me confidence and clarity to tackle life after study.”
Lou says a real strength of the programme was its combination of experiential education and education that both serves a purpose in the workplace as well as in life generally. “It equips you with a tool box of life skills, guided gracefully by experienced outdoor instructors.”
She adds that the tutors at Ara made the programme a huge success. “They’re full of passion, knowledge and diversity and they embody what they teach in a way that has inspired and shaped my growth as a young outdoor instructor.”
The solid foundation Lou gained in outdoor education through her degree ensured she hit the ground running when she graduated. Through the connections she made at Ara she learned of a job opportunity with Nelson-based company Pacific Discovery where she now works as an outdoor instructor, empowering students through travel and outdoor adventure to become more environmentally conscious global citizens. Much like Lou herself.