Into the Wild: Culminating Project

“Five weeks earlier he'd loaded all his belongings into his little car and headed west without an itinerary.The trip was to be an odyssey in the fullest sense of the word, an epic journey that would change everything. He hadspent the previous four years, as he saw it, preparing to fulfill an absurd and onerous 'duty: to graduate from college. At long last he was unencumbered, emancipated from the stifling world of his parents and peers, a world of abstraction and security andmaterial excess, a world in which he felt grievously cut off from the raw throb of existence.” (22)

Approximately 10 weeks from now, you will be in a situation similar to Chris’. You will have done your “duty” and graduated from high school, and no longer have to do anything according to your parent’s “law” unless you choose to do so.

Part 1:

For the last 12 years you have responded to bells and schedules in the public education system, adhered (for the most part) to your parent’s rules and offered yourself to the social rules and expectations of your peers. On June 3, 2012 you will be free of those obligations; or will you? Discuss the ties, the securities or the obligations that prevent you from walking away from it all and undertaking an adventure.

Part 2:

“If I could”

Imagine being as disgruntled with the world, with family or life as Chris was. If you could accept severing - or managing a separation - with all ties to securities what would you do and where would you go?

Plan your own odyssey and keep in mind the following rules according to Chris:

  1. No interaction with your family or close friends.
  2. Travel how you can with what you have – only take what you can carry.
  3. Have a goal in mind – what do you want to experience or see?
  4. Document your adventure.
  5. Create a new identity.
  6. How will you deal with adversity?

Part 3: Prepare a presentation that summarizes your hypothetical odyssey.

Things to consider:

  • How will transportation issues be a factor?
  • How much ground will you be able to travel each day?
  • What preparations will you make for personal safety or survival?
  • What items will you take with you?
  • How will you prevent judgment errors from leading to your death?
  • What is your “save me” plan?