It has been almost two weeks since returning from the Wyoming Spring Creek trip, and I can confidently say it was one of my most favorite trips ever. Before leaving, my friends mom said something to me along the lines of – “you are going to learn so much, and learn a lot about yourself.” I thought about this a lot. I did not think of the trip beyond being educational, in fact, I was so nervous about it and was not as exciting as I thought I would be when the day to leave rolled around in June. But looking back on the trip, I do believe I learned not only valuable educational knowledge on the geological history of the land and rich ecology – but I also learned more about myself. For example, how much I enjoy traveling and the landscape of the west. Wyoming forced me into the moment – watching stars on the prairie, swimming at the Tetons during sunset, and playing hackeysack before dinner. I felt so close with the other students on the trip by the time it was over.

When we all arrived at the airport on the last day, I could not believe it was time to go home. It was a beautiful trip for more reasons than one. I feel stronger in my knowledge of geology and I am prepared to take on geology lab this upcoming semester. I am more fascinated in ID-ing plants and have gone ID-ing in the forests here in PA since getting home. I also have a new found love for the prairie and small western towns in Wyoming. So in conclusion, I am ready to go back to the West.

But on a real note, I will be returning to the west one day to explore everything we saw again and more. I am so grateful to have my field notebook to refer to on my journey back to Wyoming – I would love to revisit many of the hiking and camping locations! I am so thankful I had the opportunity to attend this field study program.

Kenzie