RSB, Grand Canyon 2024
My name is Nathan Mekuria, a senior pre-medical student at Texas Tech University majoring in Kinesiology. I had the incredible opportunity to go on a service-oriented spring break to the Grand Canyon. Signing up to go on the service trip, I had no idea what to expect. I have never been to the Grand Canyon or any National Park for that matter. I heard that this program allows students to have a transformative college experience while serving others and that piqued my interest. I felt that this could be an opportunity for me to take advantage of the amazing programs that Texas Tech University has and make meaningful connections with other students while serving communities.
Preparation
The day before the trip, we all got together and began to make our lunches for the long (12 hours!!!) car ride ahead of us. This is when the excitement started to build for me. The small discussion we had about our expectations and what we planned to see made me even more eager to start this experience. We were all looking forward to the trip.
In just a matter of hours, we were setting off bright and early…
The Canyon Experience
One unforgettable moment for me was our hike down the Grand Canyon with fellow students Joe and Gabriel. From the moment we arrived, the question of whether we could witness where the canyon "began" lingered in our minds. When we learned about a trail leading all the way down to the base of the canyon and to the Colorado River, we were immediately intrigued. Although I've never considered myself a thrill seeker or adrenaline junkie, something inside me knew that descending into the canyon would offer an experience beyond compare. At 12:00 pm, we began our descent down the Grand Canyon.
As the saying goes, "the descent is the easy part," and it certainly felt that way as we made our way closer to the river, fueled by adrenaline with each passing mile. The sheer enormity of the Canyon and the noticeable change in climate as we descended left me utterly amazed. There were moments when I found myself simply standing still, completely captivated by the beauty of the canyon. After hours of relentless hiking through the rugged terrain, the distant outline of the river began to emerge, fueling us with renewed energy to press on until we finally reached our destination.
Finally reaching the rushing waters of the Colorado River was an exhilarating moment. Sitting at its edge, we dipped our feet into the icy cold water, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over us. For someone who had only hiked once before, this experience was incredibly special. It was a challenge conquered. But as they say, who goes down must come up, and the journey back up was the real test.
The ascent back up was physically draining but we came prepared ...
On our daunting push back up the trail, we came across two individuals huddled off the side of the trail, wrapped in thermal blankets. As we approached them, we noticed that it was a father and son who were trying to stay warm. The father was struggling to get his body temperature up and we immediately knew that they were in trouble. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of potential hypothermia, we knew immediate action was necessary.Joe swiftly offered them spare layering pants from his backpack, which they gratefully accepted. Witnessing how the theoretical knowledge I'd gained in the classroom could directly aid others was truly heartening. During our conversation with the hikers, we learned that they planned on staying the night and leaving in the morning. Considering the father's condition and knowing it would be freezing at night it was obvious that staying overnight was not an option. We reassured them that no matter how long it takes, we'll stick together and see it through to the end. After some persuasion and words of encouragement, we convinced them to join us back to the top safely. Each step was accompanied by supportive words and light-hearted conversation, aimed at easing the hikers' minds. Hours later, we made the final push and got them out of the Canyon. For a moment, we stood at the entrance of the trail and finally took a breath of relief. The shared experience forged a strong bond and camaraderie among us all. It was a moment that will forever stay with me, knowing we were able to ensure the hikers' safe return home.
Carrer of Service
One of our duties during this trip was to aid visitors in navigating the park and ensure their Grand Canyon experience was seamless. As volunteers, we received educational training on the park's layout and the locations of its most popular sites. Once assigned, we dispersed throughout the park to assist visitors.
As a student pursuing a career in medicine, I initially questioned how this experience would relate to my future profession. However, I was pleasantly surprised by its impact. Engaging with people from various backgrounds and listening to their stories while facilitating their trip proved to be highly applicable to my career path. The skills of communication, connection, and service that I honed during this experience were the same ones I strive to replicate as a physician. Despite the stark difference from the halls of the emergency room, the universal connection with people remained constant. I got to meet amazing people and together we helped over 4,000 visitors on their Grand Canyon experience.
Reflection
As the week concluded, my expectations were surpassed. Assisting thousands of visitors and forging unforgettable memories exceeded any anticipation. Being fortunate enough to help hikers get to safety and learn from those experiences are just a few highlights that made this week so special. The bonds formed and experiences shared made this program a unique opportunity for every student. It has truly been a profoundly impactful moment in my life. For any student contemplating participating in service breaks, do not let this opportunity pass you by.
- Nathan Mekuria