As I pack up to prepare for the close of Wyoming: Intro to Field Methods program I realize this trip has taught me lessons useful to this merry-go-round of life.

Lesson No 1: The adventures you always dreamed of are possible if you search for them.

On one day our team drove through tall evergreen forests to hike up the snowy mountains. On the next we gazed at the stars and saw the Milky way with our bare eyes. On another at the Allen L. Cook Spring Creek Preserve we saw fossils sticking out of the ground, with such an abundance that finding them started feeling as common as finding apples at a supermarket. And then at Vedauwou I saw some of the most precariously stacked rocks in giant form – that I would have only thought possible in cartoons. I never would have thought all of these experiences to be obtainable in a month. Yet they were because I took a leap into applying for a program that I learned about after trying to find out more about field work.

Lesson No 2: Routines can help ease homesickness

I have never been away from my family during the summer for more than a couple days. In effect, being part of this month long program made me feel immensely home sick. However, finding routines in little things – like starting mornings by reading my book, trying to work out a couple times a week, and eating regular meals really helped me find comfort. These habits helped me to adjust. Moving forward, this experience makes me realize that I can find comfort amidst change by finding patterns (like routine). I hadn’t truly considered this before, but know this knowledge will help me intentionally adapt to change.

Lesson No 3: Adventures truly are about the friends you made along the way

Each and everyone of my peers in this program have made my days in this program so bright, fun, and interesting. We’ve shared laughs, stories, and meals. We’ve kept each other believing that we could make it to the end of the hike. I feel so grateful for the bonds we’ve formed and the adventures we’ve shared. I realize that the adventure truly isn’t about getting to the top of the mountain or even in a school context obtaining credits, rather the connections made are the most important. Rather than focusing on end goals – for instance in terms of college simply graduating – I want to make sure to be in the moment and make the most friendships as is possible. Connections are what makes the pursuit of growth sustainable.

Ultimately, this trip has humbled me. Left me in awe to both the immensity and beauty of the world. Knowing what I know now – that these types of adventures are possible – I am going to my best to explore more. I am definitely interested in pursuing a career with aspects of field work and will certainly go on more hikes.