Closing Out- F Trek!

When I asked JP whether the places he’s visited or the people he’s spent time with had changed him more, I was a little surprised to hear him say “the people.” After all, don’t we go on these trips to learn from the most breathtaking places on the planet? Upon finishing the rest of the program and reflecting back, I realize now that I had it backwards. What made HMI special wasn’t the views we had, but rather the people we shared them with. HMI was special because all of you are here. I won’t remember Jacob’s Chair for its stunning beauty, I’ll remember it because of how much Erin hated it. Thinking back to the slot canyons, I can’t really picture the 50 foot crevasses in the earth, but I can vividly hear Jono’s blood chilling screams from the cold water. I have not only learned to appreciate each and every one of you for what you bring to this little community, but you all have also taught me to appreciate all the people in my life more. And that is a lesson you can only learn once. I think it’s beautiful how people interact with land and give it personal meaning. We haven’t slept in the same place for more than 5 days in the past 2 months, but every hostel, campsite and social trail is a little capital “H” home for me because I made memories there with all of you. – Student Full Circle