Jamal tightened his grip on the paddle as the canoe slid silently across the lake. The water reflected the fading evening sky, streaked with pink and gold. Around him, the forest stood tall and shadowy, its quiet broken only by the dip of paddles and the call of a loon in the distance.

It was the final night of his school’s wilderness trip, and Jamal had volunteered to help guide one of the canoes back to camp. At first, he had been nervous—he had never been in charge on the water before. But as he found the rhythm of paddling, he began to feel a steady confidence.

Behind him, his partner Leah hummed softly, her voice blending with the sounds of nature. “We’ll make it before dark,” she reassured. Jamal nodded, scanning the shoreline for the flicker of firelight that would mark their campsite.

Suddenly, the canoe rocked as a fish leapt from the water nearby. Jamal froze for a second, then steadied the boat with a sharp push of his paddle. Leah laughed, but Jamal felt a rush of pride—he had kept them safe.

At last, a glow appeared through the trees. As they approached, Jamal saw the welcoming shapes of tents and the faint smell of woodsmoke drifting across the lake. He exhaled in relief. The trip had been filled with challenges—long hikes, swarms of mosquitoes, and heavy packs—but in this moment, all he felt was accomplishment.

He realized that leadership didn’t mean being fearless; it meant being responsible, even when he was uncertain. As the canoe scraped gently against the shore, Jamal knew he was bringing home more than just memories—he was bringing back a stronger sense of himself.