Hometown: Iowa Falls, IA

Major: Mathematics - Teaching

Why I wanted to go on the trip: I love backpacking, camping, and being in the outdoors.

Area of expertise: Orienteering

Most enjoyable hike and why: Eagle Cap Wilderness, OR, because my mother grew up in the area and it was sort of my "backpacking pilgrimage".

Most beautiful sight of the trip: I'm keeping that one to myself.

Funniest moment of the trip: Watching Ben get into his sleeping bag.

The most important thing I learned about backpacking: Never place limits on where you think you can and cannot go.

The most important thing I learned about myself: I like people and being with people more than I admit. The group atmosphere was very important to me.

Favorite thing about the van rides: Trivia! No, wait. Winning trivia!

Favorite overnight stay: Leadville, CO.

Would I do it again and why: Definitely. I'm already making plans for next summer. I love living in the outdoors, I still have to see a sunset on the Pacific Coast, and Mt. Harvard and I have a score to settle.