Our Project:
Getting ourselves outdoors, in the moment, and helping others do the same.
Our plan was to use one of our last months in the Bay Area before going off to college spending as much time in nature as possible, learning new skills and outdoor activities and creating a guide so our peers can do the same. For much of our lives, the outdoors and physical activity have served as an escape. During times of stress, we both have found ourselves returning to nature and exercise.
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Charlie: As Mentioned above, I have been incredibly passionate for the outdoors since I was a child. When I looked towards Senior Projects, I always imagined reconnecting with the outdoors and enjoying many of the passions I have been unable to pursue over the past few semesters due to school and extracurriculars.
My biggest goal for Senior Projects is to learn how something incredibly positive - such as the outdoors - can serve as a tool for me and my mental health in college, and to show others they can use the outdoors in the same way.
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Elie: I always pictured myself using my senior project as an opportunity to explore the Bay Area and engage in the outdoors. I've pursued many hobbies over the years and have gotten into many different outdoor sports, yet it's been a struggle for me to take initiative and follow those passions when my schedule has been so overwhelming.
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The goal of this project was to make this task seem less daunting to other teenagers looking to do the same. By going out of our way to explore the bests and busts of the Bay Area outdoors, we aim to give other teens the opportunity of experiencing the outdoors without the pressure of seeking out what is worthwhile.
Challenges
Biking
It had been many years since we had mountain biked, and we were very rusty. In particular, Charlie struggled as he tried to get comfortable on a bike again. We went straight in the deep end, and our first day of biking was full of frustration, and Charlie had to walk multiple sections of the ride. After perservance and some time, we both got comfortable and were shredding by the end!
Camping
Not only were we unfamiliar with Yosemite campgrounds, unfamiliar with camping alone, and unfamiliar with living in the wilderness, but we were also two eager and argumentative friends forced into close proximity! We grew together to learn how to plan for meals, overcome a lack of cell service, and understand each other's needs and habits. By the end of this month, we have become closer than ever and have developed an unbreakable bond through shared experiences.
Digital Editing
Neither of us have extensive experience with wix (this is us breaking the 4th wall) or with Premier Pro, so teaching ourselves these softwares has been a real struggle. We've taken many wrong turns and gotten around to things the hard way, but in the end, we've both grown tremendously in our confidence and understanding of these programs.
Takeaways
Connection
Spending time in the outdoors is a truly special way to spend time with the people you care most. One of our key takeaways is being in the outdoors is one of the best ways to make some awesome memories with awesome people. Throughout this project, we formed a tight bond that will last a life time.
Pushing Yourself
Throughout this project, we were pushed outside of our comfort zone many times. Whether mountain biking for the first time in years to camping alone for the first time, we felt uncomfortable and ready to turn back more than once. However, pushing through these challenges proved to be incredibly rewarding.
Loving the Outdoors!
Above all, we have become enthusiastic nature lovers throughout this project. The Bay Area and Nothern California has some of the most beautiful spots in the entire world, and there is so much more to uncover. Get out there!