Backpacking

provide support for people who have experienced sexual assault or dating violence, they also offer support for VCU students who are recovering from alcohol or drug addiction. The Well sponsors different activities for these students, including backpacking trips, bonfires, and a speaker series titled “You did…

I didn't mind that my pant size would get at least two sizes bigger, I wanted to experience life in rural Italy before I died. So fitting in a snug size 7/8 I have now checked that item off my bucket list. There are certain cultures and languages that you just find yourself gravitating towards as a youngin'. For me, it was always French, partially because my last name is Franco and I always thought it was perfect if I became a Franco-phone. That and my dad's name is Pierre, despite being…

For this assignment, I chose to interview Dr. Stuart McDaniel, an assistant professor at the University of Florida. Since Dr. McDaniel was a child, he loved the outdoors and was always interested in backpacking. He had a specific interest for maps and the distribution of plants. Plants on mountain tops never ceased to amaze him. He received is Bachelors of Science in biology from Oberlin College. In 1994, he moved to Paraguay as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Agroforestry department. After that,…

In 2003, psychologist, Suniya S. Luthar performed a case study on adolescents brought up by both high and low socioeconomic income families. The aim of this experiment was to explore possible contrasts between the affluent and low-income adolescents. The upper-class youth reported remarkably higher levels of anxiety and depression. Anxiety of the white-collar families scored a 24% versus the normal average: 17%. Similarly, the wealthy male youth tested 59% for the use of illicit drugs…

president of Spanish National Honors Society. Along with my leadership positions in the clubs already listed, I am an active member of National Honors Society, Beta Club, Young American Democrats Club, Women 's Empowerment Club, Spanish Club, and Backpacking Club. Through hosting and planning weekly meetings, organizing…

were mostly tourists. I heard many different NORM BREAKING OBSERVATION 4 languages mostly Chinese, although there was a lovely French couple, and two very polite Swedish families that I observed. As the space was so vast it did not seem as though the 50 or so people in the area were crowded by any means. Two large groups, with 10+ each, of Asian people who were surprisingly pushy and dominating of the decks. They crowded people off, including small children who needed to be closer for a…

As I try to pinpoint a single day or moment in my life that best exemplifies the person I am today, memories flood my mind and I think about all the opportunities that led me here to Brigham Young University. I could easily write about an epic backpacking trip or meeting President Obama, but there is a greater moment, not even a year ago when I saw myself from a whole new perspective. I always heard about girls who competed in Distinguished Young Women, former junior miss, in my town. They…

could experience more and see all I could. Mountain Biking, Canoeing, Gun shooting, I've wanted to try it all. By the time I reached age 14 there was a challenge I dreamed of doing since I first heard of it a few years back. Philmont. 12 days of backpacking in the Northeastern part of New Mexico. This was huge step forward for me. I had carried over 50 pounds on my back while hiking in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains every day for the 12 days I was there. Over 80 miles and almost two weeks later…

The Synthetic Food Nightmare Nearly all of the coffee in the world is gone. Nobody can have their morning cup. Starbucks is closed, so is Bigby, McDonald's, and Dairy Queen. In fact, all the restaurants in the U.S. no longer exist and grocery stores are closing as well. The remaining option for food is a slimy synthetic beverage called “Soylent”. Humans survive on Soylent as a convenient meal replacement instead of real food. Imagine if this nightmare was the future of the food industry. As…

"Happiness is only real when shared", a quote by Chris McCandless. Chris went into the wilderness to experience adventures and to find his meaning of happiness. He found happiness in both nature and his heart. He realized that the feeling and experiences of his happiness were best shared with someone. Throughout the book Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer, Jon talked about the folks Chris had befriended along the way on his adventures and the strong impressions he left. Chris McCandless was a unique…