For context: there are two different schools on this trip. Reed College and of course MSU Denver. 6 students come from Reed and 9 come from MSU.

At the beginning of this trip I was, well, intimidated by the Reed students. They seemed to know what they were doing, while I was a complete novice. They were full-fledged academics: taking ancient language classes and already discussing thesis projects. Eventually, I would come to learn that most of them didn’t know what they were doing either. However, before we could get to truly know each other, we ran into a problem. For some reason, we just didn’t get along. No matter what I did, they just wouldn’t look my way. Because of the tension rising, each school naturally developed a diplomat, paving the way to solidarity. I was shocked when, one night, the Reed students invited us out at night! Somehow, our diplomat had made ground, leaving an impression on the Reed students!

I actually had a really fun time hanging out with them and they all seem so interesting. Their stories from college are so fun! I can say with confidence that I am glad that we have started to get to know each other, even if it did take a good chunk of the trip to lay the groundwork.

If you’re a student coming on this trip in the future: always be kind to all the students around you! Try to make those lasting connections! Don’t let things like anxiety and ego get in the way of the fun you’ll have here!

Good luck and thanks to the diplomats!!

Hunter Powell