For those who know me, it’s no secret that hiking has been a transformative part of my life for over the past 15 years. It’s not just about the trails or the summits and waterfalls—hiking has been a lifeline, pulling me through some of the roughest seasons of my life. Along the way, it’s also uncovered parts of myself I didn’t know existed, helping me gain perspective and, most importantly, find genuine happiness and contentment.
This year, I decided to embark on a different kind of journey—one that took me a little outside my comfort zone. I ventured into teaching Honors 111: Colloquium, my first time leading a course outside the realms of Art and Design (you can check out my CV to see the full range of courses I’ve taught here). This Honors 111 course is all about helping students explore and understand what it means to cultivate an authentic sense of self in the digital age. Social media, while powerful, often obscures who we are rather than revealing it. This class dives deep into those layers.
One of the highlights of this course has been pairing literature with experiential learning. We read Wild by Cheryl Strayed—a raw, deeply personal narrative about finding oneself through the challenges of the wilderness. Each year the Honor’s College organizes Active Learning Trips and for this year for my course and to fully embody the spirit in Wild, we embarked on a journey into the Smoky Mountains, where nature became the classroom.
For this trip, students were not allowed to use their phones outside of the van. The Smoky Mountains provided the perfect backdrop to disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with ourselves. For many of the students, it was their first time hiking (though not to the Smokies). For me, it was a powerful reminder of why I fell in love with hiking in the first place—the peace, clarity, and the authenticity it brings to my own thoughts and life.
We began the journey with a visit to Cades Cove, where I lectured about how community was the “original social network.” In this historic valley, settlers relied on one another for survival, support, and connection. It was a beautiful reminder of what it means to live authentically in a world that often feels more connected but less personal. Cades Cove sparked meaningful conversations among the students about the importance of real, tangible relationships many of them still remember and talk about some of the homesteads and the families that built and lived within them. One of the most entertaining moments was when a student began a realtor impersonation and started to “sell” them.
Our hiking adventures were equally memorable. We explored Cataract Falls, a short yet beautiful hike. After that, we hiked to Grotto Falls, where the experience reached a whole new level. The trail itself was stunning, but the real highlight came when the students got to walk under the falls. Feeling the mist and hearing the thunder of the water up close was an unforgettable moment. It was a powerful reminder of the sheer beauty and wonder of the natural world—something no social media feed can replicate.
One of the most awe-inspiring experiences was witnessing the sunset from Kuwohi (formerly Clingman’s Dome). It’s the highest points in the Smokies, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange, purple, and pink, the moment demanded silence and reverence. I encouraged the students to absorb the view without feeling the need to document it (for some this was a struggle). That said, I did take a photo—I had to document the trip! But even then, I reminded myself to pause and just be in the moment. It was a reminder of how rare it is to experience something so beautiful without the constant pull of our devices.
Another highlight of the trip was visiting the Wildlife Museum at the Sugarlands Welcome Center, which gave the students a chance to connect with the incredible diversity of animals found in the Smoky Mountains. Seeing the exhibits up close sparked thoughts and conversations about the importance of understanding and preserving the natural world. It also reinforced a key lesson of the trip: that connecting with nature and discovering what’s out there can never truly be found on a phone screen. There’s a depth, a richness, and a beauty in the real world that no app or filter can replicate.
The journey was bookended with moments of excitement and wonder meant to showcase the need to keep a moment for themselves rather than experiencing it for the purpose of sharing or gaining the dopamine hit from a like. At the beginning of the trip, we immersed ourselves in the joyful energy of the Dolly Parton Stampede, a celebration of creativity, performance, and southern culture. At the end, we stood together on a mountaintop, gazing at the glittering lights of Gatlinburg below. That view was a poignant finale, a reminder of how far we’d come—not just in miles, but in understanding ourselves and the world around us.
Standing along the trail, I watched as the students marveled at the beauty surrounding them. They weren’t checking their phones or worrying about Tiktok; for the most part they were fully present, soaking in the moment and connecting with each other. It reminded me of my own beginnings on the trail—the peace, the clarity, and the authenticity I found when I first started hiking.
Teaching this course has been an incredible journey—one that has reminded me how connected all of my passions truly are. Whether it’s designing a poster, mentoring students, or hitting the trail, the goal is always the same: to foster growth, connection, and authenticity. Honestly this trip, and these students will always have a spot in my heart right along side my favorite mountains and my favorite hikes.
So, here’s to stepping outside of comfort zones—whether in the classroom, on the trail, or anywhere life might take you. Because sometimes, the best way to find yourself is by getting a little lost first.
Until next time, keep climbing.
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