Kouzes Chapter 5

I. Check for limiting assumptions
1. I can't do this because lack of funding (+) find sponsors
2. I can't do this because I can't take time off from nursing school (-)
3. I don't have the time and commitment for such a project (-) 
4. I can't do this because its too far away (+) buck up, write letters
5. I can't do this because it is too big of an immersion (+) again, buck up

II. Look outside
1. Find a mentor/ advisor
2. Begin making contacts with organizations/ individuals who are doing similar projects
3. Start brainstorming with individuals with a variety of perspectives to get a vast amount of ideas. 

III. Get started in small ways
I have been dying to spend a year in Patagonia through NOLS- National Outdoor Leadership School. My goal is to gain a large amount of clinical experience throughout this year-long. Not only does this course offers 27 credit hours in biology, environmental studies, leadership techniques, skills practicum, risk management, expedition planning, and cultural studies and is based off a skill building curricullum. There I would be gaining an increased expertise in mountaineering, fly fishing, sea kayaking, backpacking, and rock climbing, as well as participating in a local service project and gaining increased knowledge of the culture over the course of 135 days. In addition, I would gain my WEMT-wilderness EMT certification over the course of the semester. 
My first step in possibly making this dream a reality is to research possible scholarships and grants. NOLS is the best of the best, and the best certainly doesn't not mean cheap. The largest obstacle right now is funding. The course itself is 27, 500 for the 2013-2014 year.