Hiking through forests and along trails makes me feel at peace. It provides a sense of tranquility that is nearly impossible to achieve in everyday life. For three summers, I have trekked a portion of the Appalachian Trail. In less than a month, I will set out for my fourth year and complete 35 more miles, bringing my total to 140 miles. Carrying 30 pounds on my back while hiking up mountains and balds, and through fields and rainforests, is a different type of exploration. It provides a quiet, almost dreamlike environment where I can contemplate my future and gather my thoughts about various topics. One of my favorite parts about this adventure is removing myself from the addictive nature of technology and cherishing the natural world around me. Backpacking without the distractions of social media taught me how to enjoy the simplicity of life. I found beauty in the people and plants around me. I found beauty in watching the water flow over the rocks of a waterfall. I could appreciate the brightly colored bugs as they lived their own lives on the side of the trail. I felt a sense of pride as I looked down from the top of the mountain and saw the entire trail I had accomplished. I was able to fully immerse myself in the nature around me instead of being sucked into the cyber world. I bonded with people who have become my best friends and amazing mentors without worrying about what I was missing at home. When I got back after my first year on the trail, I immediately set up a hammock in the backyard which became my new “spot”. Before, I would hide away in my room, but after spending a week surrounded by fresh air, I realized I could find joy in the trees and the chirping birds without craving the constant entertainment of Instagram or TikTok. The first words that left my mouth when I saw my parents after a week away were, “I’m changed.” This truly does describe how this magical week affected me. While it was beautiful, yes, it also challenged me in ways I had never experienced. With the scorching heat, blisters, storms that made us fear for our lives, and even a scratched cornea, I learned that I am so much more capable than I had ever thought. I could persevere through the sore muscles and mental fatigue to achieve my goals, all while looking back on it with a smile on my face. Going on this adventure through the Appalachian Trail made me realize how much happier, more engaged, and motivated I was when I limited my phone usage to only necessary activities. This sparked a shift in my life to unplug and do more things I love such as hiking, spending time with friends, crafting, and reading. It also confirmed my choice of career. Technology is never going away, but I hope that, in the future, I can help kids use it for good by going to school for Speech Pathology and Audiology with an eventual focus on Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices. Spending a week immersed in friends, nature, and freeze-dried meals was a life-changing experience that has changed my mindset and life for the better.