Prairie Trial Group


Our last time on the trail. All of the groups in the class were working on the same trail instead of our own, individual trails. While we were all together, my group clung to each other. We could have worked with and talked to anyone else, yet for some reason we all stuck together. I found this odd but really interesting. At the beginning of the semester, we barely knew each other. However, now each other's presence was comforting. We truly bonded over the course of our time at the Nature Center. We worked together to bring about the tedious transformation of the Prairie Trial. Shoveling dirt and smoothing it down. We got better at working together as we formed a particular pattern and rotation of moving the dirt. At the beginning of the semester, it felt like we had to make small-talk to break up some of the awkward silences, but now everyone was comfortable with the pockets of silence. We grew to become comfortable in our environment. I believe being in nature had a tremendous effect on our bonding as a group. The feeling that you're in the middle of nowhere, away from the cities, brought about us having to rely on each other. We were in nature's element... nature wasn't in our element. Also, there's something child-like about nature; that being surrounding by flora and fauna everywhere you looked makes people open up and let loose. The sweet breeze rustling through the tall grass, small creatures stopping by to say hello, the trail reminding you that there's always more you can discover...nature is innocent and adventurous. If someone was to see us working, they would think that we were a bunch of kids just having fun instead of adults about to graduate. It brings out the best in people, the most authentic version of yourself. Though all of my group was seniors and were prepared to tackle the real world, nature reminded us to appreciate every day and to seek out adventure. As we left our trail for the last time, it was amazing to think about how much we grew to care for one another. Nature creates distinct memories.. memories that I can cherish forever. 

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