TAHOE/TRUCKEE, Calif. andamp;#8212;When Aldana Fernandez first heard that she had been nominated to participate in ARC, she was overjoyed. But she wasnandamp;#8217;t sure if it was how she wanted to spend her entire summer.She finally decided to apply because she knew that it would change how she thinks of herself and help her build her self-confidence. As the beginning of the course approached, Aldana started to have second thoughts about leaving her family. But as the 40-days began, her biggest hope was to complete the course and come out a stronger, more confident, independent leader.Out of all the expeditions and adventures, the one that made the biggest impact on Aldana was the ropes course. It is here she faced one of her biggest fears, and learned the most about herself. Also it was where her ARC family really bonded for the first time.During the entire 40-day course, many things happened that surprised her. She discovered that she is a leader, that she is brave, and is not afraid to take risks. ARCandamp;#8217;s values andamp;#8212; determination, compassion, integrity and service andamp;#8212; helped form her throughout the experience and she completed the 2011 ARC course feeling very happy.Aldana strongly recommends ARC to those who consider attending the 40-day program, andamp;#8220;because it is a once in a lifetime experience, and ARC will teach you things that will help you down the road. Also if you donandamp;#8217;t just try you probably will regret not going for it later on in life. And mostly, you will meet some very wonderful people who will be family to you and will have things in common with you that make you closer. So just go for it.andamp;#8221;andamp;#8212; The ARC student of the month feature is provided by Jen Gurecki, director of Adventure Risk Challenge.