- Expedition: May 20-25, 2007
- Ariel
- Venture Academy - Richard Iglehart Memorial Expedition
- Yosemite National Park: Snow Creek to North Dome to Yosemite Falls
Ariel holds the honor of being selected for one of two Lisa Patton Student Scholar awards, which are granted on an annual basis to young women who show leadership in both their schools and communities. These awards are made possible through the generosity of the Patton family, in loving memory of their daughter Lisa.
Wilderness is...untouched by man, beautiful, peaceful, quiet, challenging, dangerous, and amazing views. I learned how to get water from creeks and make it pure and drinkable. I also learned how to read a map and work as a team with others. The birds and all the plants and animals to me, were very interesting to learn about. I liked being outdoors and getting to enjoy an environment that I'm not normally around. I also liked getting to spend time with my friends and other classmates. I like meeting new people and getting to know Alison and Sarah was fun.
I loved reaching the mountaintops and seeing the amazing views that Yosemite has to offer. I really loved the time that I spent out here. It was a challenge for me to hike up mountains and packing alot of stuff, but I felt as if I really did accomplish something when I reached the tops. I was challenged physically and emotionally, and I am thankful for the chance to get to hike through the woods. I'm also thankful for the experience that I've had up here because it's something that I don't get to do every day. I am most thankful for the scholarship that gave me the opportunity to get to do all of this. It was really nice to see people's sprits shine and see everyone's true colors come out.
I hope that one day other people have this same opportunity to have those same adventures that I did for these past few days. Listening to other's options and plans was fun to see what other people think. This was a special opportunity for me and I hope that many more other girls and boys will have the same experiences that I did. Up here I forgot about all of my troubles and worries at home. I love it up here and am thankful for having this chance. I will remember this trip for the rest of my life.
