As my last year at Iowa State progresses, I

have been feeling disappointed that I never got the chance to study

abroad because my classmates are discussing their

adventures. Coming in to Iowa State, studying abroad

was one of the top things on my list of things to do while

“enjoying my adventure at Iowa State.” But simply put, it just

never happened. Jobs, classes, money and time all just

got in the way, as they usually do.

However, in talking with these classmates and

hearing about their glamorous trips to Italy, Spain, England and

France, I realized another thing: Most of these people have barely

even seen the United States before they left it.

I grew up going on annual camping trips with

my family and I’ve visited about 25 states on them. My high heels

might mislead you, but I’ve donned my boots and seen views only

possible after miles of hiking in the heat, up mountains, along

cliffs and through trees. Considering the area I’ve covered is

bigger than Europe, I’ve learned a few things along the way.

 

The only thing worse than the Nebraska Huskers

is driving through Nebraska. 

When it costs you $5 to shower, washing your

hair under an ice cold mountain water faucet isn’t all that

bad. 

Green Powerade is better than the finest wine

after hiking in 110-degree weather.

People in the old days had dirty minds too.

Want to take a guess at what the Grand Teton mountains are named

after? I’ll give you a hint: Certain parts of a

woman’s body have been compared to mountains at various points

throughout the history of mankind.

Defying laws in science in as simple of a way

as being in four places at once at the four corners of Colorado,

Arizona, New Mexico and Utah is strangely liberating.

The view from Delicate Arch at 9 a.m. is

impossible to describe.

A 90-degree and humid day in Iowa is way worse

than the dry, 110-degree days of Utah.

Learning how to build a campfire in the

mountains comes in handy when building one in the backyard too.

When drop toilets are the only available

option, it is possible to hold it.

Instant mashed potatoes are heaven after

setting up a camper in the pouring rain.

Waking up to bear prints on your car when you

were sleeping in a tent a few feet away is just the jolt of

excitement you need to start the morning.

And the list goes on. I’ve

traveled across the U.S. with my parents, brother and sister, aunt,

uncle, cousins and grandparents.  We’ve fought and

laughed and I’m thankful for the experience. I’d still love to get

the chance to travel abroad and I hope to do it a

lot. But for now, I can be happy with the experiences

I’ve had and would encourage you to explore your own country before

you can truly appreciate the rest of the world.