RSB, Grand Canyon 2025
When I first signed up for this RSB trip, I was excited but also unsure of what to expect. Leaving home, especially my husband, was a challenge. I’m a homebody, and the idea of being away for a week felt like a huge shift in my routine.
Our team traveled to the Grand Canyon to work with the Wildfire Services, assisting
in various tasks that supported the national park and its surrounding community. At
first, I had a simple expectation which was to contribute to a good cause and gain
some experience. However, as the days passed, I began to see that this trip was about
much more than just volunteering. It was about discovering possibilities, challenging
assumptions, and learning how people, whether strangers or close companions, can shape
an experience in ways that were never expected.
One of the biggest takeaways from this trip was realizing that there are so many career paths out there that people don’t consider. I met park employees and volunteers who never thought they’d end up working in a national park, yet they found passion and purpose in it. It made me wonder why more people don’t explore these kinds of opportunities. Many of us feel stuck in the idea that we have to follow a certain career path. Yet, in reality, there are so many opportunities if we’re open to them.
Todd, one of the trip directors, mentioned internships during a session, and I found myself surprisingly interested. Before coming here, I never thought about working in a place like this. But hearing from people who started in completely different fields and then ended up in conservation, park services, or nonprofit work made me realize that careers are not always linear. This RSB experience is relevant because it reminded me that life has more options than we often give it credit for.
One thing that really stuck with me during this trip was something Todd said: “Time is a valuable thing to give up.” In that moment, I was reminded that the act of giving my time wasn’t just about the work, it was about choosing to make a difference, to be present, and to contribute. And in return, I met some truly amazing people—Todd, Joanne, Lisa, Max, and so many others who dedicated their time and energy to the Grand Canyon and for us to be there. Their passion for their work was inspiring, and it made me appreciate the impact of giving time, not just resources.
Another major lesson I took from this trip was the impact of community. Living with 11 to 13 other people in close quarters for a week is bound to change you in some way, whether you realize it or not. At the beginning of the trip, I struggled with missing home. I wasn’t sure how I would manage without my husband by my side or how I’d adjust to the unfamiliar surroundings. Yet by the end of the trip, I found myself truly taking in the experience and appreciating the people around me.
At first, I kept to myself, unsure about the group. I tend to be introverted, so the idea of spending an entire week with a group of strangers made me nervous. But as the days passed, I found myself opening up. I realized that people (especially strangers) aren’t as bad as I sometimes assume. Growing up, I struggled to trust people because adults were often unreliable. This trip challenged that. I saw firsthand how strangers could become supportive, how a group of quiet individuals could still form a deep bond, and how being heard and valued in a group setting could feel validating. I found myself wondering why it took so long for me to see that people could be trusted.
Our work with the Wildfire Services felt small at times (cutting inventory and organizing supplies), but it was clear that even small contributions mattere. We weren’t just passing through; we were helping sustain an important part of the park’s operations. We took part in tasks that were crucial to keeping the wildfire services running smoothly, and even the smallest efforts played a part in something much bigger. This is important because sustainability isn’t just about one-time actions, it’s about consistent efforts that leave a lasting impact.
Another thing to consider is how the seemingly insignificant actions we take today can contribute to long-term solutions. I realized that the work we did, while small, helped ensure the park would continue to thrive for future generations. Knowing that our contributions were part of a much larger effort made everything feel worthwhile. That’s something I want to carry forward in my own community. I may not always be able to see the immediate results of my actions but knowing that I can make a difference in the long run is a powerful motivator.
Looking back, I realize how much I’ve grown during this trip. The first few days were difficult, but by the end, I felt a sense of belonging. The memories we made, the work we did, and the mark we left, no matter how small, will always be part of this place. This trip was more than just about the physical work we did; it was a chance for me to reflect on personal growth, community, and what it means to make a difference. It’s not just about the destination, it’s about what happens along the way.
If there’s one thing, I wish more people understood, it’s that experiences like this are about more than just work. They’re about stepping out of your comfort zone, seeing new possibilities, and recognizing that growth happens in unexpected ways. Whether it’s realizing there are more career paths than we think, learning to trust people, or facing fears on the edge of a canyon, this trip proved that the biggest changes happen when we least expect them.
So, if anyone ever finds themselves doubting their path, feeling unsure about the future, or afraid to take a leap into something new, just go. You might be surprised by what you find. I certainly was.