Harper hiking on the Long Trail last summer (wearing her baggie). Photo credit: Ari Markowitz
Harper hiking on the Long Trail last summer (wearing her Baggies). Photo credit: Ari Markowitz

Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, the majority of my outdoor time was spent at the lakefront or in the forest preserve near my grandparent’s house. During the summer, we spent weekends camping in Wisconsin and Michigan or road tripping out west. By the time I was deciding where to head for college, I had a thirst to explore more mountainous terrain.

Harper takes a break while hiking Snake Mountain in Vermont (with an R1 in tow). Photo credit: Bailey Lecat
Harper takes a break while hiking Snake Mountain in Vermont (with an R1 in tow). Photo credit: Bailey Lecat

When I committed to the University of Vermont, I was ecstatic to take part in a Wilderness Trek trip. This program, sponsored by the University, offers incoming students a chance to spend six days in the backcountry with future classmates and two upper class leaders. Although I had only backpacked once before, I was excited to explore the Green Mountains right off the bat.

That week in the woods truly set the pace for what my college career would become. In the coming years, I threw myself into any opportunity to get outside: signing up for as many Outing Club trips as I could my freshman year and hiking on my own. I eventually became a leader in the Outing Club, lived in the Panamanian jungle for three months, camped with friends… the list could go on and on.

I remember wondering that first week how on earth my leaders had the confidence and skills to be able to lead eight 18 year olds through the woods. The more I pushed myself and explored the Green Mountains and Adirondacks, the more I gained assurance in my own gut instincts and independence. Fast forward two years and there I was leading a group of new college students for a week on the Long Trail.

Harper and girlfriends taking in the view on their way home into the valley in Panama. Photo credit: Abby Ahlgrim
Harper and girlfriends taking in the view on their way home into the valley in Panama. Photo credit: Abby Ahlgrim

I recognize that I grow most when I am slightly uncomfortable. Hiking is very much “type 2 fun”; it may be slightly miserable in the moment (e.g., hiking through brownie batter mud in the pouring rain) but in retrospect I’m grateful for what I've gained.

As I prepare to graduate from college in less than two weeks, I am now preparing to hike the Long Trail from end-to-end in June. It feels symbolic of my personal growth over the last five years. I’m looking forward to the time and space to breathe, think, and continue pushing my own boundaries.

Cheers,
Harper Simpson,
Patagonia Burlington