Jon Greene
Age: 19
NOLS Spring Semester in the Rockies, 2003
Plymouth State University, August, 2002-present

My Story

Last year, I knew just what I wanted for Christmas. So I decided to ask my parents for a NOLS course. It wasn't the first time they'd heard about NOLS. My sister, Liz, had just taken a NOLS Prince William Sound Sea Kayaking course that summer. She came back with amazing pictures of bright blue glaciers and towering mountains, and had tons of cool stories about her new friends and all the adventures they had in Alaska. Liz couldn't stop talking about her NOLS experience, and that got me thinking…

When I came home for Christmas break after my first year at Plymouth State University, I had my heart set on a Semester in the Rockies. I decided the subtle approach would be best. I left a NOLS catalog laying out on the coffee table, and I kept saying things like, 'Liz just seems so much more confident and psyched about things these days,' or 'It’s pretty cool that Liz is able to use the credits from her NOLS course to graduate.'

Well, by Christmas morning I wasn't sure if my tactics had worked. When all our presents were opened there was one last box sitting under the tree. I opened it up and got the best surprise of my year—a NOLS gift certificate was neatly folded inside.

My NOLS course was amazing. I learned outdoor skills I know will last a lifetime. And I know I'm a stronger leader than I was before my course. I never thought such a life-changing gift would fit in such a small box!

Thanks, Mom and Dad!