Going into your freshmen year of college everyone tells you about all the fun experiences you’ll be able to encounter in these four years of college. I, of course, tried to involve myself in all the freshman activities and events at the beginning of the semester. Crimson week was the most entertaining days of my life, I was able to participate in sorority rush week among other fun events in the first weeks of the semester.
One of these days while eating in Taos I noticed an announcement on the T.V monitor for the Outdoor Leadership Program and after filling out an application and being interviewed for a spot I was accepted. The Outdoor Leadership Program teaches students how to prepare, plan, implement and lead outdoor recreational activities for the NMSU student body. As a newly accepted applicant all members were required to attend the orientation trip to Aguirre Springs in the Organ Mountains.
Leaving early Saturday morning we arrived at the campground and learned about the 10 essentials and proceeded to hike up the mountain. I have always enjoyed the outdoors but I admit while hiking up this mountain I started to question why I was doing it. Not only did I have an allergic reaction to the new plants surrounding me but I also got bit twice by these huge black ants. Regardless I didn’t complain about being tired or the intense pain I felt coming up my left leg from the ant bites. After taking a break we began the hike back to the campground and I forgot all about the pain I was in, this is when I really appreciated the beautiful view and perfect weather. At the end of this trip I learned that although my condition was not ideal its always best to be optimistic and enjoy the little moments.