So my junior year of high school, i attended a semester long program in Leadville Colorado. Its called High Mountain Institute: Rocky Mountain Semester. This experience essentially changed my life in many ways and helped me look at the world differently. Rocky Mountain semester gives junior students a chance to spend 4-5 months in the mountains of Colorado , canyons of Utah and Wyoming. It combines rigorous academics with backpacking. We would be on campus for three weeks learning the typical Pre- Calc, US History etc, and then venture into the back country with our 75 pound backpacks and learn about the surrounding nature, continue our academics, and experience what it is like to carry everything you need on your back for two weeks. We learned about collaboration, teamwork and leadership. Growing up in LA, I was surrounded by rampant materialism, and was sometimes guilty of trying to fit in through superficial means. After attending HMI, i realized the differences between what i want and what i need. If it weren’t for HMI, I do not think I would be at Bates right now. Here are some pictures from my experience at HMI:
during the semester we did trail work in the Sawatch Range of Colorado
The reason I am writing this is because my best friend from High Mountain Institute is visiting me in Los Angeles from Connecticut. She’s been to LA about 4 times since HMI and I am so happy that we have kept in touch. Today we hung out by the pool and tomorrow we are going surfing and then on Thursday I am going back with her to Connecticut.
just thought this was a funny picture
Anyway, I am planning on traveling around the East Coast (NY, CT, MA) for about a week to visit HMI friends and Bates friends.
On another note, 4th of July weekend my two good friends from Bates came to visit and we had a wonderful time. It was so great to see them. I am really starting to miss everyone from Bates, and I am so excited to go back. Not only do I miss my friends, but I miss the classes and having a routine there… I also miss Commons. I hope everyone is having a relaxing and wonderful summer.
Charlotte
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