RSB Grand Canyon 2024
When I first heard, I would have to get pictures and write a blog on my time attending a Raider Service Break, (RSB) it was not ideal. I am not one who tries to capture and share what I do when traveling online. I hate Pictures, I hate writing about it, I try to live life in its moment. I try to experience any opportunity that crosses my path. So, I couldn't pass up the chance to see the Grand Canyon and volunteer for a week at no cost to me.
I expected a lot of photos, and I planned to avoid as many as I could. I know Pictures are worth 1000 words, so I knew throughout the trip I wanted to capture moments for the sake of the experience. I'm glad we did.
It's not that I hate writing or want to be secretive, I am just selective. I would rather share moments in person, one on one. When I do, I love to talk, share every detail. So, I knew it would take time to think of the right words to sum up our trip to the Grand Canyon National Park. Can I keep it short and simple? Doubtful. I want to make sure I don't miss any thoughts on my expectations, experiences and lessons learned. I know its cliché to say my expectations and experiences were nowhere close to what I imagined when it came to the RSB group I would travel and spend time with. The National Park Service and the people who make it run. and Last but not least the biggest part, The Grand Canyon. Everything is connected one way or another. So, I will try my best to sum it all up in two perspectives, Expectations and Experiences.
The Crew:
Expectation: I love to do things alone. I have done that for a long time. I have even camped out
in eight states during Covid for two months with my dog. So, I had expectations that
weren't all technically positive. a lot of anxious thoughts. I felt I would relate
more to the old folks on the trip than the students. The Idea of camping alone taking
in the Grand Canyon sounds peaceful compared to thoughts of what I expected from these
“kids.” Will I be able to connect or relate with this group? Not to mention the drive,
packed in a van with a married couple behind the wheel. What about when we get there?
Do I even want to hang out with anyone? I am the third oldest person on the trip,
and I am not trying to be a third wheel to Jon and Aurelia. I know I would enjoy racquetball
more. What if I get irritated and need time to be alone? I LOVE my alone time. Hmm,
I wonder if anyone is willing to push boundaries? Live in the moment. You don't get
chances like this all the time. A free trip to the Grand Canyon. Oh man, what about
volunteering together, will I be stuck with squares? People unable to keep up or ones
who joke around too much and get us in trouble. Don't forget about staying together.
I love living alone! Ugh, forced sharing and bonding, no thank you. I have already
met plenty of people in my life. I would like to enjoy the Grand Canyon, Volunteer,
and get my schoolwork done, that's all I wanted and expected.
Experience: When we had our prep meetings before the trip, it was usually awkward and quiet. There was a mixture of McNair Cohorts, ten scholars and explorers, some people knew some more than others. As well as the four Tech chaperones/employees, the couple and two Grad students, Jace and Sarah, who also work for the RSB program. The day before takeoff we made sandwiches for the trip, that's when people really started talking. in those moments, though not obvious at the time, there was a spark that started a reaction. a quick cohesiveness of a wide range of personalities.
We had an early start on Sunday, 5 am, for the l2 hour drive. Which Surprisingly, wasn't bad and went by quickly. We had split up the groups so we could fit in the van and suburban comfortably. There was a lot of sleeping so I couldn't tell you too much about the scenery. Everyone started to talk more, getting to know each other. Jon and Aurelia, the married chaperones, were as expected driving a van full of students. Range of music and a podcast Jon was on as a key speaker on two Philadelphia serial killers, which Jon acted as commentator for as well. This put me to sleep, a dream within a dream. An inception of Jons voice.
When we arrived, we met Todd, the Park ranger in charge of alternative breaks for students volunteering as well as his band, Debs and Joanne, two volunteers who have been helping for years, and hiked rim to rim multiple times. There was also Max, who takes photos and video shots of the whole week for Park services. We were shown our cabins for the week, not too far from the rim. We spent our first day getting to know the area, plans and what our jobs would be for the week. After signing paperwork and playing trivia games for patches and pins. We got to see the Grand Canyon for the first time. It was interesting that none of us have never seen it before. Aurelia did as a kid but was too young to remember. I was also in charge of dinner for the night with Ynes, an old soul who happen to be one of the youngest on the trip, and Sarah, the future park ranger who had experience on RSBs and cooking. We had Shepards Pie. I decided to set the fire alarms with the help of some water and butter. A few of us also took a 1-mile hike on the bright angel trail so we could see below the rim. Unfortunately, it was closed half a mile down.
Tuesday was the first time we volunteered to help the Visitors Center. First Todd talked with us about all the jobs the park has to offer. You know there is no such thing as a free lunch. It's like the guys trying to pitch you a time share at a resort. Yes, they offer free food and board, but you must sit through the sales pitch and try not to get sucked into a contract you didn't really want. I volunteered with Cyerra the quiet observer, Oliver, the towering jokester, and momma Aurelia the first day. I call her that because she was a little on edge and protective. A few of us had her on our toes the whole week with our antics. After volunteering for the day, we hoped to get to see the stars with an astrologist who was working out there in the Grand Canyon. Unfortunately, the clouds covered the night sky, but it was still a good evening, with shoutouts, laughing and napping old people while we learned about how women were influential in identify and mapping the stars.
Wednesday was our off day. First, we got a brief overview of what the Fire service and Jason Nez, a Fire archaeologist who works for the NPS does day to day and the importance of it. Not to mentioned I seen his secret big foot files. So, if I go missing, we all know why. We got to meet the Helicopter crew and see the choppa. After, Jace, Ynes, Grabriel, Nathan, and I went hiking below the rim in an effort to put our feet in the river. Three of us made it there and back. It was awesome to explore the park more and do a little bit of living with Gabreil and Nathan, a few Raider Rebels. It wasn't easy and it was exhausting but well worth it, which I will talk more about later.
Thursday was back to volunteering. I was with Brooke and Tiana, strong independent personalities who had the spirits of two nature baddies. It was foggy during the morning with some snow. It was crazy to see. I realized I hadn't taken any photos or videos. Which I didn't mind. I was living in the moment, and I knew everyone else was capturing our trip for us. I had a great conversation with Jace, the one in charge for RSB, who was also taking pictures of the trip for Tech and the program RSB is under. I got a better understanding of the value of taking so many pictures. While I still prefer to not be looking at the camera or even in the picture, I am more open minding to take pictures now. A lot of attempts are needed to capture perfect moments. While many of one's attempt may not be the one, it's not detrimental but strengthening to one's progress whether in becoming a better photographer or simply better in life.
Friday was our last day of volunteering. I was with Tiana, Taylin, a unique wanderer,
outgoing and curious, and Jon the McNair Godfather. We met David, the assistant superintendent.
It snowed most of the day. It was a lot foggier and less visibility of the canyon
unfortunately yet beautiful when given a glimpse. I remember ending our last moment
as volunteers taking a picture with some visitors, strangers we met earlier. Perfect
ending to the trip. We impacted them enough turning an unforeseeable circumstances
and uncontrollable weather into a humorous trip. Taught that with patience and a positive
attitude. The view was going to be worth the wait. That night we tried to prepare
as much as possible, cleaning and packing for a trip home on Saturday. We went on
a little cruise in the snow unable to ride up hills. So, we had no choice but to return
to our cabin. After cleaning up the last bit in each cabin and packing up. We took
off at 7:30 a.m. on what felt like a twice as long drive back home. We got to enjoy
the expectus Petronus forest and some Mexican food in Albuquerque to end our time
together. 17 hours later we made it back safely.
The National Park Services:
Expectation: When I agreed to go on this RSB trip I knew we were going to the Grand Canyon to help with National Park Services. The main goal was to help the Visitors Center with traffic. Helping visitors navigate parking and the main area, as well as the quickest way to see the Canyon from the Rim. I had this vison of us in orange vests in a big dusty parking lot pointing towards a big hole. It should be vast emptiness, right? You can't miss it. Or we would be near the canyon making sure visitors didn't get to close and fall to their tragic death. I know a little too graphic. It's a big responsibility. Will people even listen, its just volunteering, who would take us seriously. I am not trying to be bossy when I am not even on the pay roll. We don't even have real power. Mind you I enjoy talking with strangers, giving them a big ole smile, making small talk. It's simple and cost me nothing, it can help turn their day around. I doubt people would be in a good mood after a long drive. All cramped up in a vehicle. Park entry fees are per vehicle not per person. I figured I would see a Chevy Chase type with his kids on a nice little family vacation trying to save as much money as possible. I was hoping we would be helping the park rangers as well. You know on four wheelers and dune buggies, chilling in the back seat with two cool rangers with Superbad vibes, doing park stuff. Stopping fires, finding artifacts, dealing with wildlife. Helping people who get lost in the hole who can't get back up. The Top is that way sir, just look up, you can't miss it.
Experience: I didn't realize how much value comes from our taxes or how big the National Park Services really is. Not just for the Grand Canyon either. But all recognized National parks and Monuments, which is over 200. Now every place doesn't get the kind of traffic the Grand Canyon gets. And surprisingly the Grand Canyon isn't even in the Top five when it comes to Visitors, workers, and Volunteers. We got to meet tons of park rangers, workers, and volunteers. I didn't realize how many people work to keep one place functioning. There are hotels, schools, plenty of gift shops, the parking lots are all paved. Easy to identify. A big Visiting Center, with multiple bus routes with free rides to drop off visitors at trails, lookout spots, museums, and historical locations. There are rails at main points for safety, there are multiple trails that get you to the bottom. Fire fighters and archaeologist, services workers. Cowboys and Cowgirls with their Mules. Campsites all around, cabins at the bottom by the river.
Todd oversees the Service Breaks that The Grand Canyon holds, not just for Texas Tech but all the schools that would volunteer. Now Tech is the Only school offered this great opportunities and experience. Todd talked with us about all the Job opportunities people could explore working for the government and NPS. It's shocking how he could match us with possible jobs for all our Fields. He had jobs that any of the eleven students on the trip could get with our degrees. We also got to volunteer with the two lovely ladies Deb and Joann all week. I found out you could even work for contractors doing service or working at the camp site at the bottom. Joanne, let me know, it's a 1-year contract and you can come back each year or not if you want. You work for ten days and off four days, but you must hike yourself in and out of the canyon. It seems pretty tempting. Might have to take a break before Grad School. Or even during it.
Overall, it was an awesome experience getting to help the visiting center. I had so much fun talking with visitors, even though I am an introvert. It is natural for me, to help others. I know life can be overwhelming and we just get in ruts. All it takes is a smile to help change that. I knew throughout the week the canyon was not always visible because of the weather and you could see that ruined a lot of people's days. While we didn't talk to everyone, I know we impacted some of these families, there was a lot of laughs and smiles made from an unfortunate situation. So, while we may have not been pulling people from the edge, saving lives, and putting out fires, there was still a purpose that came from a bunch of students helping by giving directions and perspective for a surreal experience like the Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon
Expectation: I'm sure it's said a lot and I have heard it a lot myself, The Grand Canyon is huge and surreal looking. I knew it was big, I have seen pictures, but I still didn't expect much. I have traveled and camped out plenty. I have seen some mountains; how big could it be? I envisioned colors that matched the Utah Mountains. Big vast empty looking desert. With a big canyon in the middle. I thought we would be sharing one big cabin and maybe a few more cabins. Around the area, wake up to the sounds of nature. Minimal trees. No signal and limited power. I really didn't even think about a supply of water. Would we have enough? Will we boil water from a lake or river? I wasn't too sure about the possibility of hiking. I was sure it was possible but is it allowed? Could we go to the bottom? Put my feet in the nice chilly water. How big are these trails? If the canyon is big should be easy accessing the Canyon. Must be a few roads that can get us to the bottom. I really wanted to explore the area. How often would I get the chance to be at the Grand Canyon for a week we should have plenty of time to ourselves right. How many questions could visitors have? We don't have much light or power. Come on people, it's 5 o'clock somewhere, it's closing time. Time to see the canyon and check out the stars with my boys. I wanted to explore in the evening and nighttime. It shouldn't get too cold.
Experience: Man, it feels so cliché, but THE GRAND CANYON IS SURREAL LOOKING!!! It just doesn't look real, and I was there so I know it is. But I did have quick thoughts about the matrix movies and it's all just a projection. All the pictures we took look fake. It looks like we are all in front of a green screen BUT I know they are real!!! It felt real looking over the edge. I was scared and was worried I could fall at any second. I kept looking behind me to make sure some crazy guy wasn't getting ready to launch me off the cliff. You really don't think about how big this place is. The national park doesn't even cover the whole Grand Canyon, which is over two hundred miles long. From the north rim to the south rim is over 24 miles and people hike and camp in the canyon all the time. There are multiple trails that will take you to the bottom but the only way to get to the bottom is by hiking or riding mule. There are no roads for vehicles, and firefighters and rescuers can only get there by foot or helicopter if needed. I was fortunate enough to be able to check off a goal from my bucket list with my Raider Rebels, Gabrieal, and Nathan.
I bonded with these guys very quickly. Two different personalities with so much in common. Felt like I was hanging out with two of my younger selves. If that even makes sense. We hiked the south rim all the way to the bottom and back in one day. a ridiculously hard feat that most people don't even attempt. Over 14 miles long. From multiple people throughout the week, like Nez, David and Joanan we heard and talked about a spiritual connection with the canyon. David told us on Friday about beliefs Native American culture have when it comes to the Grand Canyon, and how they believe that the canyon is heaven for their ancestors. When you are able to see the canyon in person, you will understand why, it is just like heaven, surreal. I thought after putting my feet in the water I would have this grand epiphany, but I didn't. It has been the weeks after that has me looking back at my expectations and experiences and the whole spirituality of it all. Our bodies may not have been as prepared for the hike we endured but I felt like our minds were. And after I look back at the events, I realized a truth that has been told to me many times. You can only prepare so much, sometimes you must just go out there and live. Perfect plans can stop you from enjoying a beautiful mess.
In Conclusion:
To wrap up my expectations and experience. It was awesome to get a free trip to see one of the wonders of the world. Being able to experience the icy water from the Colorado River on my feet was a once in a lifetime experience. Helping the Visitors Center and having a small impact on strangers' visit was a self-learning experience. The most impactful experience. To me was meeting and hearing from Nez a Native American who worked for the National Park. I can still hear his comments. When we first walked into the room with Jason Nez, he was in shocked and said “wow, it's amazing to see other people of color, I am usually the only one in the room.” This really stood out to me. I mean I know the population of Native Americans is not as high as other underrepresented groups, but those words echoed for me. This is someone who has felt what I am sure all the students on this trip have felt before. Being the only minorities in an environment. It showed the importance and impact programs like TRIO, McNair and RSB has and can have for future students. Not only for those of us that get to utilize these programs but also for people like Nez. We aren't going to have to worry about being the only person of color in a room again.
Just look at our group. it was made up of future engineers and Computer scientists. Future doctors, Communicators, and Psychologic minds, Chemistry and History buffs (shoutout). It's not often you find or see such a diverse group of people come together and work so well. I can honestly say it was a talented group. I enjoyed everyone, and surprisingly didn't need time to myself nor find myself annoyed with these strangers or kids. We had jokesters. Old souls. Rebels. Quiet observers. Risk takers. Selfless Servants. Seekers. Boys Scouts and mother figures Extroverts and Introverts. Mix it all together and there was a reaction and bond, as strong as the smallest chemical molecule, yet we could fill the entire Grand Canyon with our energy.
Jon had said it best when it came to describing our trip. Each day was like a whole week but the whole week just seemed like a day. weeks later and I can still recall so many details. The spiritual moment or epiphany wasn't my feet in the water. That was just the mid-point. The hump day, pun intended. It was the whole seven days. It was the NPS, the Grand Canyon and our Crew that made this whole trip one perfect spiritual moment.
This whole experience will play a big part in my approach to life and what I will strive to do for my community. I will keep volunteering, and trying to help others, as I try living life to the fullest. All I can do now is look pass expectations and experiences and… Go for It!
