Each of the fourteen Hike and Learn applications that I received were thoughtful, fun, interesting, and inspiring. But three applications stuck out.
John and Lauri from Pomona College, in Southern California, applied as a pair. There’s something really compelling about two people trying to put up with each other and sharing trip-planning duties and having only each other to talk to some days and just living a summer together. That’s cool. It’s challenging. And it’ll be really interesting to hear their stories when they get back. John and Lauri both write for Pomona publications , and they’ve dabbled in other media. They also both have fairly extensive hiking and backpacking histories. They’ve put together a summer itinerary that spans four states and hundreds of miles of trail. I’m super jealous of their plans, and I’m really excited to work with them to outline how to record and share their adventures.
Heather goes to Mount Hood Community College in Portland, Oregon. It seemed like many of the applicants were at a crossroads, deciding what their priorities are and what makes them feel free. Heather, more than any other applicant, exemplified this. She wrote, “For the past year and a half, my existence has revolved around outdoor recreation, whether it be guiding trips professionally, volunteering or taking personal trips. Being immersed in the wilderness has changed my perspective on life, helped me to mature, and has made me a happier, more passion-driven woman. I’ve been between homes and jobs for the past year, by choice, wanting to have the freedom to take whatever opportunities arise. Living on couches, out of my car, and in a tent has made me appreciative of the simple things and changed my definition for home. Living out of a pack, I am always ready for a next adventure, all I have to do is find a good place to wash clothes, take a shower and re-pack.”
I can’t wait to talk to John, Lauri, and Heather more. I’m going to be hard at work the next few months getting updates from them and working with PDX.FM to develop the material to train the recipients in social media. Lots of cool stuff this summer.
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Congrats to the recipients! What a great program.