Personal Narrative: The Road On The Lower Slabs At Seneca Rocks

No matter where you go in the world geology is a constant factor. Whether it is a building, a cell phone, or the ground we walk on it is involved in everyday life. These are the aspects of geology that people do not consider is some of the most crucial catalyst in daily life. When people enter their cars or use their cell phone they are using something that contains minerals. Geology of the world is by far if not the most important aspect of modern day life.

My professional experiences thus far have enabled me to learn a great deal while reaching my

Among the Blue-Ridge Mountains in West Virginia, Seneca Rocks remains a place that values preservation of nature, its history, a family-oriented environment, and the safety and well-being of those who visit. I have visited Seneca Rocks at least three times in my 18 years and it is a very common place in my hometown, therefore, my personal experience helps me determine its values. “Seneca Rocks is a bare white sandstone sheet of rocks with sheer cliffs, towering 900 feet above the surrounding valley in the Allegheny Mountains in West Virginia’s Panhandle. This giant slab of rocks has been there for 440 million years. The rock sits along U.S Route 33 and is about 34 miles east of Elkins.” (Bob Downing, Akron

Rock climbing looks easy if you look at the right people. When you look at others you might think that you will fall to your death. My story isn't about death it is about courage, bravery, and most of all tough hope.

First of all, whenever we finish something that was difficult we feel proud of ourselves or experience a sense of accomplishment. When you finish a project you feel proud of yourself, with rock climbing you feel the same feeling. Hauling yourself over that last rock is one of the greatest feelings of accomplishment. Imagine

Remember: staying focused on climbing (rather than not falling) will help keep your mind calm and focused during a difficult process. And if you get tired during the ascent, try to find a safe place to camp and stop for the night. There's no shame in this: it can actually safe your life!

One of the things we did in Montana was rock climb. This experience taught me to trust myself and the others around me. That was very difficult to do when you are 70 feet off the ground and the only thing that is holding you up is your own strength. I also had to trust the rope and my uncle who was belaying me. I don’t know about you, but there is nothing natural about walking backwards off the side of a cliff. But once I did lean back, it was smooth sailing from there.

Humans are animals. Even as developed, personalized, and intelligent as we are, we share a deep connection with every living thing. However, many of the problems in the world result from the human belief that technology is more powerful and can replace the serene, perfect essence of nature. I believe that a connection with nature can heal wounds and help humans find balance in their lives.

One cold, dreadful winter day in November, the wind was biting at our faces, high in the Ouachita mountains at Ash Creek deer camp, I would have to face my most dreaded fear. I would be faced with losing the person that means the uttermost to me.

this, this was just the means to an end, nothing more. The dark grey clouds hung

Ever heard of the Appalachian trail, it’s 2,000 miles of wildness stretched of all you see.

This summer, I received an invitation to stay at my friend’s house on the Rappahannock River. During my stay, we spent the majority of our time outdoors amongst the nature and wildlife. Upon our arrival, we dropped everything and grabbed the canoes. As we set off, I looked at my surroundings. While the water was calm, peaceful, and a comforting shade of dark blue, something else grabbed my attention: the litter. Near the docks, I could not help but notice the bright yellow Lay’s potato chip bag and the six pack rings from someone’s soda. Seeing the trash just floating in the water frustrated me. Here I was in this gorgeous environment, and my eyes cannot stray from a potato chip bag! As I floated away, there was little I could do. However,

This summer, as a volunteer with the Guildford Community Church, I flew out to the Sioux Reservation in South Dakota- home of the Native American Lakota tribe.

I learned that my passions and skills have a place in this world and cannot be dismissed with a puff of smoke. My need to help has contributed to my dream of researching and finding ways to treat mental illnesses, as well as joining the Peace Corps after college.

It’s the challenge itself that people learn from. There isn’t any point to making things a challenge for no good reason so it’s about taking on the right challenges and calculating risks to a point that justifies them when compared to the challenge that is faced to accomplish them. Truth be told, it was a challenged for me to take that risk and slide down the tube tunnel and I did not regret doing so because I know at that point thats what I wanted. If it hadn't been for that challenge, I wouldn't be able to see what I am capable of doing.