In our Wilderness Exploration and Landscape Studies Osprey Block, we studied the geology of the canyon along with different species of birds and fish in the Cataract Canyon stretch of the Colorado River. We canoed 35 miles of the canyon in 4 days and created art and writing while on the river. Our final project to show our knowledge was a creative interpretation about how the river made us feel, or anything interesting about our trip. I made a mixed multi-media art piece on a canvas. I felt like it was meaningful to be in nature and connect with not only the landscape but with the people I was with. I liked that we learned lots of things we got to apply and we had to know the content to be prepared for the river. My best moment was getting to connect with people around the campfire who I didn’t know before. It was great to create new relationships with people who aren’t in my grade or in my friend group. Overall, this project helped me connect not only with nature but with new people on a deeper level. This project was very draining. The first night I didn’t get much sleep and it was tough to have to paddle 15 miles the next day with winds coming upstream. We couldn’t give up, we had to persevere to get to camp. This was one of the most difficult parts of the trip but I couldn’t give up and leave my team to paddle alone. I learned that I often judge people before I get to know them, and that I should give people more of a chance. I got to know a few people on this trip who I had vaguely known in the past and had made assumptions about them. I got to really know them and enjoy their presence and company. I grew as a collaborator and a person by getting to know these other people.