Seeing and appreciating colleagues in a new way

At one point in her sabbatical, Keeley Olson found herself lying on her side, inching her body through a deep underground cave formation in Costa Rica called the womb — “because it’s like you are being birthed out of it when you finally emerge on the other side.”

From January – March 2022, the Standing Together Against Rape executive director swam through underground rivers, rappelled 235 feet down waterfalls, rode the longest zip line in Costa Rica, learned the traditional way of grinding beans to make chocolate and saw everything from howler monkeys to sloths to giant hummingbirds as she hiked through jungles. Oh yes, and she also took a little down time to snorkel and enjoy the sun in Cancun, Mexico.

The “once in a lifetime, magical experience” grounded Olson, she said, reminding her that while she appreciates relaxation, she needs to be challenged. Also, it reinforced that she is a natural leader and when things are a little frightening, “I would rather lead the way headfirst.”

Olson discovered that it wasn’t as hard as she expected to leave her work of 15 years behind and immerse herself in a world without phone calls, emails and reminders. She returned with a new appreciation for the challenging work of helping survivors of sexual assault and especially for her colleagues, knowing they’ll figure it out if she’s not there. If she needs to get away and really relax, they’ll have the job covered.

“What a wonderful gift that will keep on giving,” Olson said. “I only wish I could have learned the lessons from this sabbatical sooner than later.”