I have selected a picture from my post-caving experience in Newport, VA from March 2016 as my first artifact. This picture represents many things in my life and it also reflects on the experiences I had that weekend. I have never been a huge fan of nature, partially because I have so many environmental allergies. However, when I received an email from an RA in Taylor Tower about registering to go caving and hiking for a weekend in Virginia, I oddly jumped at the opportunity. I was mentally prepared for the upcoming weekend until the trip leaders mentioned camping and spiders. For some reason, I mistakenly assumed we would be staying in a hotel and that there would not be a high concentration of spiders throughout the journey. Once I found out the details of the trip, I was tempted to back out and stay home instead but I ignored those temptations and packed my bag for the unforgettable weekend I was about to have. I survived the trip and I learned so much from the people I was surrounded by. This adventure represented personal triumphs in my life and letting myself be vulnerable. My strength, emotionally and physically, was tested from the slippery heights of a pitch black cave to the rushing waterfall at the end of the hike.

My personal goal from the trip was to step out of my comfort zone and try new things, and I would say with confidence that I reached this goal. My boundaries were pushed and many fears were overcome. I was also fortunate enough to meet some amazing people that I have continued to talk to after the trip. The group leaders were amazing and gave me moments of peace in the middle of nowhere, they allowed me to appreciate every piece of nature in the world. There were so many moments when I was able to see my peers work together to reach a common goal, or help each other in a moment of need. Everyone on the trip was at least a little scared but we all helped each other through the struggles we faced. I felt a great sense of camaraderie from the moment we left Taylor Tower to when we arrived back at the OAC. It was a truly amazing experience that changed my perspective and attitude greatly. This trip helped me grow tremendously and gave me the confidence to face any other fears I have in the future.