Before he went to Outward Bound last year, the 16-year-old described himself as a shy, quiet and reserved person.
''I was the kind of guy that just sat in the corner and watched the world go by.
''But Outward Bound has opened a whole new world of opportunity for me.
''I got heaps of confidence and self-belief from it.''
So much so, he has been named Kaikorai Valley College's head boy for this year.
It is a role he is not sure he would have been able to fill if he had not found his confidence, he said.
''After speeches, interviews and voting, I was announced as head boy. I really believe that without the experience of the Outward Bound course, I wouldn't have had the self-belief to apply for this position.
''I'm rapt.''
Last September, he attended the course at Anakiwa in the Marlborough Sounds, which helps secondary school pupils reach their full potential through challenge in the outdoors.
Josh said team activities such as sailing, rock climbing, tramping, traversing high ropes, swimming and a solo experience, where participants were sent out on their own into the bush for a couple of days, helped his leadership skills, taught him how to achieve his goals, encouraged him to express his ideas and, most importantly, built his confidence.
Participants learnt to step up and make the most of their final years at school, or get ready for life after school.
The outdoor challenges also encouraged them to challenge their limits, gain independence and work as a team.
Now, Josh is more than happy to stand up and speak in front of school assemblies.
It has also given him the ammunition and ambition to pursue goals such as playing football for the Green Island men's team and the Otago secondary schools team, which will compete in the Milk Cup in Ireland this year.
''I'd definitely recommend it to anyone. The people were the best thing about it. I've made great friends.''
Joshua was one of 25 Otago secondary school pupils to attend Outward Bound last year and one of more than 600 in Otago to have completed the programme over the past decade.
This year's pupils received Otago Community Trust Scholarships to attend Outward Bound's Mind, Body and Soul course for 16 to 18-year-olds.
The programme has the full support of schools, which believe the experience provides positive outcomes for their pupils.
