The Benefits of Being an Awkward Newbie...

For me September is the start of the year, not January. It’s the exciting month many begin formal academic programmes although learning should never depend on the calendar. In the explorer’s mindset, reflective learning is core. Not just as the intellectual pursuit of new knowledge but also in the awkward, uncomfortable and downright embarrassing learning that occurs when we try something new. Learning can mean going back to the beginning to risk being the dumbest person in the room, or in my case, on the mountain. But if you’re never willing to be the awkward newbie - you’ll never learn effectively, whomever you are and whatever role you hold. In the spirit of embracing new learning, here are a couple of the embarrassing moments which set me on my path: - buying my first rucksack I chose the one in my favourite colour. I paraded before a patient shop assistant who eventually asked me “Would you like to try it with some weight now?” - I once planned “campsite outfits” although I ended up wearing all my clothes at once and climbing in a National Park I asked the guides, “What wild animals are we going to see?” They laughed, “None, we hope. They’re wild animals.” To everyone finding new opportunities for learning - be brave.