Having a community of brothers supporting one another through each stage of life is extremely important. By attending Discovery XP, our alumni learned about becoming the best version of themselves alongside their brothers and Dr. Michael Brown. By taking steps to unlock their true potential with a high-impact curriculum and personal coaching designed to inspire and empower our brothers, they can take charge of their lives and find support in one another.
“It is compelling to me to think about my role as a man, as a father, as a husband, as a mentor, it’s a really powerful image to me.” –Dr. Michael Brown
Coming into a space with like-minded individuals is where many find their truth and passions flourish. Our brothers Raymond Wu (San Diego State University, ‘11), Leo Carrillo (San Diego State University, ‘16) and Noah Rosemblatt (Ohio University, ‘16) led by example as they took a brave step into the community of these brothers and continue to show up every chance they get. Below is a Q&A session with the three of them. We hope you can be inspired by this article and maybe even find yourself at Discovery XP next year!
What made you decide you wanted to attend Discovery XP this year?
Ray: I have been fortunate enough to have attended different workshops by Dr. Michael Brown leading to my first ever Discovery XP in 2019. I was able to connect with other brothers and take time to grow myself. With having an amazing experience the last time, and it being in Tahoe, I decided to go. I am thankful that I went.
Leo: Going 2-3 years ago to the last one, I left with a new perspective that had a meaningful impact in my life. I attended this year because I knew that I could get more from it given that I was in a different stage in my life and I was excited to learn alongside new brothers.
Noah: I was looking to reconnect with members of my fraternity and spend time reflecting on my own decisions
What surprised you during this retreat?
Ray: I was surprised by the resort and love how less structured the experience was compared to previous years.
Leo: The exact pin pointed content we covered. I didn’t expect that we would be focused on a few key points rather than all the dimensions of life. I was very happy that we were able to get deep into specific subjects and reflect as a group.
Noah: How warm and welcoming everyone was. I did not know anyone else in the room when I first walked in, but quickly became familiar and treated like a friend.
Did you make any valuable connections during the retreat?
Ray: It is always fun connecting with alumnus who I would have never met if I had never gone to something like this. It provided us with a safe environment to be authentic and vulnerable.
Leo: Most of the guys that attended I had never met before and now will be lifelong brothers and friends.
Noah: Yes, I believe I did.
What was your biggest take-away?
Ray: We can always keep improving on the dimensions we choose to focus on regardless of how many times you attend these experiences.
Leo: Perspective drives everything. If you have your grand mission statement, all actions should follow this.
Noah: Quite honestly, there were many takeaways, but I believe the biggest one related to the second question - I found a group of friends out of complete strangers within a three day period.
What advice would you have for someone debating on whether to attend
Discovery XP next year?
Ray: Take time to invest in yourself. You will find hundreds of reasons why you shouldn’t go, but just go. It can be impactful and if it doesn’t, you built new connections with other brothers and got a relaxing and fun vacation out of it.
Leo: Go. This isn’t a motivational, rah rah event. This is a retreat to connect with like- minded men who want to become the best versions of themselves. Getting with this group, I guarantee you will be vulnerable, learn a ton, and be excited to take action on your learnings.
Noah: Just try it; you may be toying, thinking it is silly, not worthwhile to go, expensive, etc. But look at it as an investment in yourself, a retreat, and an opportunity to genuinely meet new people, and you'll be surprised when you commit how you ever debated the decision in the first place.
If you want a chance to dive into the offerings of Discovery XP, join us for our Leadership Summit on July 15-17 in San Antonio, Texas. We are excited to have Dr. Michael Brown facilitating Discovery XP curriculum at this event. This would be a great opportunity to see what the curriculum is all about. Register today!
