"During my trip to Yellowstone, I felt like I gained many things emotionally. The experience itself impacted me in several ways. I never have been much of a leader. I always was, or chose to be second in command, or be a follower. I didn't truly understand the leadership role. But while in Yellowstone, I started to show more leadership qualities that I had inside of me. I just needed a way to show them. Each day, I wanted to be in the front of the "hiking line". I wanted to help guide everyone along the path. I also encouraged others to do their best. One of the girls did not like that because I just kept pushing her to try harder. I knew she could do it so I continued to encourage and challenge her to keep going.
I also gained many relationships with the other girls. I never felt that I was really close to them, sort of just kept to myself. But each day, I grew to know each one more and more. We all made memories that will last us a lifetime. I think my favorite time was when we would sit around the campfire after dinner and have small group. There were different topics each night that everyone would share. I also appreciate these girls more than ever. I grew to have a lot more respect for each one of them.
My ultimate favorite part of the trip was experiencing the waterfalls. Sitting and listening to the roar of these huge falls, I felt peaceful within myself. I had that feeling that everything was going to be okay. And I realized that no matter what happens, life will still go on. Those waterfalls will still keep roaring with power, even if I have a bad day. It was powerful within me. I enjoyed it very much!" ~Beth G.
