The 5-week Ordeal that changed my life...

It all began 364 days ago where I partook in a journey that would change my perception of the world, of life, and of myself. It was in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I was there to take a simple geology course and live in a University of Michigan estate, known as Camp Davis, for 5 weeks. It was in this area where I would build my first tent, climb my first mountain, get my first sunburn, have my first s'more, horseback, white-water for the first time, and even lick my first rock (it was gritty just so you know). But, most importantly I made some pretty gnarly friends. Some people that stood out and made my experience just that much better are acknowledged below:

i. Keegan Melstrom – This man taught me to just be me, even if he taught me indirectly. He enjoyed the luxuries of life, and allowed me to enjoy them as well, even though it took me a whole year to figure it out. He just took any opportunity that came his way and lived.

ii. Danielle Forsyth – Heck, I didn’t even notice this girl until she said she worked at JcPenney. And then, I talked to her, and go figure she apparently works with my Mom at the JcPenney where I used to live. Her smile is probably what struck me first. She loved to smile even when she was having her “shitty” days. And essentially, I should have learned from that. Smiling really does help.

iii. Rachel Beagan – I guess we just got along, but I don’t know how. We seemed to just talk one time sitting next to a camp fire on her 21^st and it was an awkward moment lemme tell you. Awkward moments aside, I never knew what it could have led to! A good friendship that will last. She taught me to not worry about anything. Be it love, academics, my interaction with people, family, etc. she taught me that there is always someone out there who is willing to listen and can help out. Letting the worries build up inside will make you explode. It’s always to have a good set of friends.

iv. Matt DeFauw – He is just funny. No matter what happens, he is so happy! Lesson learned: shake off the negative thoughts like a duck is able to shake off water from its wings

v. Alyse Opatowski -- I learned from her that life is just too short to not have fun. She was loads of fun to be around.

And only from these 5, they have impacted me so greatly. I know I am missing about 30 or so other folks that definitely introduce me to the wonders of life.

On a more personal note, I was inspired by Nature and its glorious beauty in this trip so much so, that I cannot even describe what I liked the most. I just LOVED it all. Be it hiking for 7 hours, horseback riding on the top of mountains, rafting for hours, or soaking up Vitamin D some 1600 ft above sea level, nature just left me breathless. I will leave you with these picturesque views of what I saw in this great journey. GO NATURE! WOOHOO!