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When I first found out I was going to WinGate, I was angry, scared & most importantly - I felt out of control. I told myself I was going to run away before I could even get there or I would break my leg just to get out of it. I had no idea what to expect, but upon arrival at WinGate, I was met with so much love and support, I had no choice but to soften my defenses. After all, underneath all of that anger & aggression was just a little girl, hiding away in pain, waiting to be acknowledged and loved. I still remember my transport team at WinGate and how much they helped me transition into this scary, new experience. Their gentleness and empathy has stayed with me for years. In fact, I remember all of my staff. I will never forget all of the sacrifices they made for us, all they did to keep us safe. I will never forget how loved, seen, and heard they made me feel - no matter how difficult I could be. I will never forget all the fun we had, all the laughter, all the joy and all of the tears. I am forever grateful for the lifelong friends I have made at WinGate, both as a student as a staff. I still remember my first few days in the field and how a childlike sense of wonder began to emerge within me. Back home, I was so wrapped up in drugs, sex, and social media that I had forgotten I was still a child, a child who loved the outdoors & a child who loved to play. I was in awe of the beauty around me, fascinated by the rocks, fossils, and artifacts. Enamored by the night sky, the red earth, and the blazing sun. Mother Nature demanded my presence, and in doing so, she nursed me back to health. WinGate taught me that I can do hard things, things I never even dreamed possible.. Even when every voice in my head says I can’t, I can and I will push through the discomfort to victory. I’ve cried so much while writing this, and I just want to end by expressing my gratitude to my parents for their courage, to everyone I had the pleasure of meeting at WinGate, to Erin Grover, and to the Grand Staircase Escalante ❤️ Coconino for life!!!!