Greetings from Yosemite National Park

When I was a high school freshman, I, along with other aspiring, enthusiastic young students, went on a field research trip in the backcountry of Yosemite for two weeks. We carried our food, tents, and resources with us, and roamed the wilderness freely and completely away from any semblance of civilization. The toil through rugged mountain paths was arduous, and the fatigue throughout the journey certainly wasn’t something that I was used to. However, I look back on it now with fondness, as I enjoyed not only investigating Yosemite’s unique ecosystem and admiring its interesting rock composition, but also how the trip away from civilization allowed me to abandon superficial habits and become a truer self. During those two weeks, I had sincere conversations with my peers covering topics, I wouldn’t even consider bringing up in any other circumstance, I would think, we don’t know each other well enough, or, I should mind my own business and not risk anyone. But in Yosemite, I freely shared my opinions on society, politics, and school, learning about my companions in return. My words didn’t offend them; instead, we bonded immediately and proceeded to converse further about anything and everything. Standing in the middle of earth and sky, listening to the murmurs of trees while observing the serene mountains reflected on the lake surface, it all seemed too surreal and too different from the world that I was used to. When I sat in a circle with friends who were mere strangers only a couple days ago, I felt there was no place for cynicism and pessimism in the world. My trip to Yosemite is a memory I cherish deeply, and it is not just about the amazing scenery I saw or the project I completed. I remember it most for, the innocent intimacy between humans surrounded by the vast wilderness.

Sincerely,
Yaodong