Meet David, a young individual from Louisiana who felt the need for a change in his life. After high school, he found himself stuck, engaging in excessive drinking and occasional bar fights. David needed direction and Atlas Life was able to provide that for him. 

With the help of his Atlas Life coaches, David enrolled in the University of Utah, completed a Wilderness EMT class offered by NOLS, and joined our entrepreneurship program, where he shadowed local business owners eventually acquiring valuable skills in business and people management. Additionally, David utilized personal finance coaching, learned culinary skills, and made the most of outdoor activities such as rock climbing, skiing, and hiking. He prioritized a healthy lifestyle, opting for organic, nutritious meals and training with a personal fitness coach.

However, there came a point when he began dating and deviated from his training routine. His diet suffered, and he resumed drinking beer. He even avoided his lead coach for a few days, causing a setback in his overall progress.

David was posed with a question: "Would you be interested in living in a Buddhist Monastery in Nepal?" This opportunity was part of a partner program we had utilized before. There, David would teach English as a second language in the local school system, engage in volunteer work of his choice, learn the art of zen meditation, and embrace the monastery's philosophy of peace among all things.
 

While still receiving coaching from Atlas, David embarked on his journey to Nepal. There, he regained his focus and devoted himself to volunteer work, teaching English to teenagers and imbibing the profound wisdom imparted by the Monks on finding strength through kindness.
 

However, after a month in Nepal, a devastating earthquake struck Kathmandu. David was urged to go to the airport as a private jet was arranged to evacuate him. David, with the approval of his parents passionately decided to remain in Nepal and help the local people recover. 
 

David stayed for another two months, primarily focusing on safety and volunteer work with the same group of teenage boys he had been teaching English to. Together, they ventured into small mountain villages, providing essential supplies and assistance. David's parents even set up a GoFundMe account to gather funds for shipping much-needed supplies from the United States to Nepal.
 

The experience of David's gap year in Nepal, filled with personal growth, resilience, and a profound sense of purpose, will forever be etched in our memory. His unwavering commitment to helping others, even in the face of adversity, showcases the transformative power of such journeys. 

I hope you enjoyed this success story. 
Atlas Life is a semi-independent life coaching  model with multiple locations. Check out our website at AtlasLife.net see how we help students create their own stories.