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As I sat in the boat, fishing pole in hand, taking in all of the breathtaking scenery of Alaska, I

could not help but think how lucky I was to be there. Not only to be in the great state of Alaska

that few people are able to visit, but to spend twelve amazing days with my dad. This was the

trip of a lifetime that I never thought was possible. We are in the midst of a pandemic, so many

people are struggling with jobs, money, mental health issues and physical illness, and I have been

blessed with this opportunity. My parents worked hard and saved for years to be able to afford

this trip to Alaska and only two of the four of us were able to go. The selflessness that my mom

and sister showed to allow my father and I to have these moments together is something I will

never forget.

While visiting, my dad and I got to go fishing in some of the most beautiful rivers and lakes I

have ever seen and caught some of the most majestic fish. We got to go on guided fishing trips

with tour guides, one of which stood out to me the most. We were fishing for a bucket list fish of

mine called a grayling. We had to hike 4 miles into the mountains to get to this particular

mountain lake. It was a treacherous hike and an experience like no other. When we arrived at the

lake, I was in shock at how beautiful it was. It was in the middle of three snow capped mountains

with a view overlooking the distant mountains. I took a moment to just sit down after the long

journey and just breathed in the crisp mountain air, chatting with my father about this amazing

experience.

While Alaska was incredible, I also experienced another once in a lifetime trip that molded my

life in so many ways. My school offered a service trip to Monterrey, Mexico my sophomore year

of high school. Although this trip was not intended for fun, I had as much fun and learned as

much about myself as I did in Alaska. As I poured with sweat, out of breath, carrying heavy
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bricks from one end of an orphanage to another, my mind and body were filled with satisfaction

and love. I looked over to see my classmates with young children, laughing and learning to jump

rope for the very first time. For a moment, I was saddened by the situation that we were

experiencing and expected to serve, changing lives of a whole village. I quickly changed my

mindset to make a difference and be present in the moment. It wasn’t until I got home that I had

time to reflect on this amazing experience.

I have been so fortunate to go on two amazing trips in my high school career, and the amount of

learning and growing I took from each is undeniable. Both trips were very different, and molded

me in ways that I could have never imagined. Mexico taught me how important service to others

is, how lucky I am to have what I have, and how relationships grow in the toughest of times. The

service trip taught me how important it is to work hard and still give back, how something as

little as a smile can brighten someone’s day, and how my heart can be filled by helping others.

Alaska taught me to take time to be in the moment, to appreciate nature and the beauty and

calmness it can bring to our lives. It taught me to take time to slow down and unwind, and most

importantly to enjoy spending time with the people that mean the most to me. I will forever be

thankful for these opportunities and know that they will have lasting impacts on my life.