The most memorable part of the Salt Lake City Field Trip

While there were many moments during our Salt Lake City field trip that were informative, interesting, and profound, one experience stood out as the most memorable—and the most unexpected. Looking back, it was not just an adventure but also a powerful lesson in teamwork, resilience, and adaptability.

To showcase the stunning natural beauty of Utah and the Salt Lake City area, we planned a rafting trip for Saturday. The day started out perfectly—warm sunshine, gentle currents, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Dressed in swimsuits, we floated down the river, soaking in the peacefulness of the landscape.

Then, without warning, we rounded a bend and found ourselves in the middle of a sudden squall. The wind roared against us, pushing our boats backward as rain and hail pelted down—yes, hail, in August! We had no choice but to scramble to shore for safety.

In the chaos, as we huddled together, as you can hear on the video, Gigi had the great idea to use the boat as a shield against the elements. But just as we started to feel a bit more secure, we saw our other boat lift off—literally flying in the wind! Without hesitation, Owen and I sprinted after it while Matt, Cassia, and Amy stayed back with the rest of the group.

We finally caught the runaway boat after an all out sprint. We spotted a small zip line business with an enclosed store. After confirming that we could stay there, we hurried back to gather the rest of the group. Cold and shaken, we warmed up inside while waiting for Owen’s dad to pick us up.

During the ordeal, fear and discomfort were inevitable. Some of us were soaked and shivering, others felt unprepared for the unexpected turn of events. But what stood out was how everyone stepped up to support one another. Matt stayed outside with the boat, keeping watch as others navigated the storm. Owen took the lead in securing a safe place for us to wait, building a connection that ultimately benefited the whole group. The young women stuck together, reassuring one another and maintaining a sense of unity.

By the end of the day, despite our exhaustion, I couldn’t have been prouder. What started as a challenge turned into a bonding experience. We had faced adversity together, adapted, and come out stronger. After a bit of rest, we were ready to continue our journey, carrying with us a newfound confidence in our ability to handle the unexpected.