The days after I arrived home I contemplated over whether or not I made the right decision for signing up for this experience for my final undergraduate semester at Shenandoah University.
I could have spent my final semester playing volleyball for the university, working at the television station, working my other outside jobs, learning in a confined classroom like everyone else. I could have been a typical college student and there is nothing wrong with choosing that path. But, I was at the point where I wanted change and boy did I experience a change.
I didn’t learn about the Ecoventure opportunity until this past June, while shifting through my e-mails this summer. I distinctly remember the e-mail saying that they were looking for one more student to sign up. I told myself it wouldn’t hurt to apply, so I did.
I spoke to my advisor Dr. Gina Daddario on several occasions throughout this summer about my internship. On one occasion, a couple days later I brought up that I applied for the Ecoventure and before I knew it I received an e-mail from Dr. John Copenhaver saying that I was in, I was tickled to death!
Then the e-mail that changed my perspective of the trip arrived in my inbox in late July from Copenhaver. The e-mail read that 2 of the participants had to back out due to academic inflexibility reasons. My concern at that point was that the program may be canceled and I had already made arrangements with my coach, advisor and bosses.
July came and went, as did August and September. Preparing for this trip academically, physically and mentally was the most demanding situation I had been in. I think I was only home to eat supper and sleep those months. I couldn’t tell you what I talked about with my parents or if we had conversations.
My concern when we were approaching our launch date was that I wouldn’t be prepared enough for this month trek. But, thankfully I overanalyzed the situation and got over that fear after we had completed several successful preparatory hikes.
Oct. 3, 2009 approached like a speed demon and we on the trail. It took me a good two hours that first night, to come to terms with we wouldn’t be returning to campus for another 28 days and these were the fellows I would be spending those days with. And I’ll be frank, those first couple days on the trail, I was thinking to myself what the hell did I sign up for?
I had a couple of obstacles prior to the trail and on the trail that I had to overcome. I believe I got over one obstacle before we started on the trail. That obstacle was being the only female on this trip. I received help from Stacey Keenan and discussing every health scenario, which helped tremendously.
Although the biggest fear on the trail for me had to be bears. The first couple days when I was leading, I freaked myself out. My brain was telling me that a bear was waiting around the next corner and I would jump inside when I encountered that corner. I realized after the second time I did this, I needed to stop. Otherwise, I would eventually give myself a heart attack and I didn’t think Copenhaver aka “The Good Doctor” wanted to treat a heart attack victim.
Luckily being in a little bit bigger of a group, we didn’t encounter as many bears as a lone thru-hiker did. Although, Carl and I did see a bear’s rump when we were on our way to hang a bear bag on the fourth night. We backed way out of sight of the bear and I sprinted back to camp while Carl ran backwards to camp. Note to those who have never encounter bears, never turn your back to a bear. I know I was in the wrong, but I learned from that experience as well as from our presenters.
Presenters came and joined us for lectures and they had enlightening information about the health of the Shenandoah Valley, which was distressing to hear.
We are infected with invasive species both in plants and animals. Whitetail deer were transported from Arkansas and seedlings in our forest are suffering because of the deer and other animals eating them. Air quality is rated poor in the Shenandoah Valley and in the top 50 places to obtain cancer. This is not healthy nor is the water that runs through the valley.
The Shenandoah River is not fixed and that it moves all the time from weathering and erosion. This movement in conjunction with runoff supplies the water with the mercury set within the banks and soil surrounding the river. Weather and mercury isn’t the only problem. Livestock in the water damage the water quality both from their waste and their hooves crushing the sediment downstream.
I see myself becoming more involved within my community to help preserve our land and water resources. Furthermore, being more environmentally conscious of decisions that I or my family makes in regards to either around the house or around the farm.
I don’t regret being a part of the Shenandoah Ecoventure nor do I regret those tough decisions I made to devote myself to this project. I was looking for change this semester and I found it.
I can’t thank The Downstream Project, Shenandoah University, Pam Patterson, John Stevens, and Stacey Keenan enough for creating this extraordinary opportunity.
My hope is that others can experience the outdoors for what it is and not for what they want it to be, as I have experienced.
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