Right behind the Toronto trip, the hike through Hocking Hills was one of my favorite events of the year. Not only was the trip the escape from campus needed, but it also gave me time to reflect on my year in IA and how far I’ve grown. Unlike the Toronto trip, where I was mostly getting to know many of my fellow scholars, the trip to Hocking Hills opened my eyes to how much we’ve grown as an IA community. Our scholars program is filled with many students of different backgrounds and interests, yet throughout the year we have all created a bond through our appreciation of the world and it’s cultures. Walking along the rock formations and through the trees provided me with a sense of contentment. I was surrounded by the all my unique friends simply enjoying the earth that we hold so much interest in, and the moment was memorable.