…for every exclamation point new staff type in their emails about initial travel plans out to High Trails, I’d probably buy a tamale from the little Mexican bakery place in Redlands.  Jessie had seven exclamation points in her email alone.  Mary had four more!  Staff training is one of my favorite parts of my job simply because the energy of the group is so playful and excited.

How much fun was it listening to Nasser sing happy birthday to himself on the stage of the amphitheater the very first moment of staff training?  For those who joined us in the winter, wasn’t it exciting to hear the rationale behind why Megan has two cat fetuses in a jar?  Those first few days you might have had butterflies in your stomach, snow in your boots, dust in your nose or all of the above; and the novelty of the situation kept the energy pumping.

For all the exclamation points and butterflies you had on day one; our year at High Trails is halfway through.  You can now join Nick in saying that this is not your first rodeo.  You have worked hard, built friendships, discovered thatch ant mounds, igloos and other bearings that all help your life have direction. Know that while you remember that excitement of training, mid-year is not supposed to feel the same as the beginning of the year. The newness novelty has probably worn off. You and the program are growing. And it’s good if you acknowledge this.

Training was only successful because you allowed yourself to take in new experiences. Enjoying the second half of our year means remaining open to change. Now that you understand how things are working a bit, challenge yourself to keep learning. Try moving up a level.  Become a Peer Mentor. Scout a new lunch spot on the weekend so that you have a way to spice up your hike to Horse Meadows.  Learn something new related to a class, and then share it with your students. Invest in the community; take some time to get to know your coworkers and go on amazing adventures with them.

Amy Roth

You earned your spot at High Trails and we are proud to have you teach with us for another fifteen weeks. But don’t forget that you have to take ownership for your own happiness, for your own growth, and for your role in the community. Give. The energy you invest in your world bounces back in beautiful ways.