The autumn air in St. George, Utah, was filled with anticipation as we arrived separately at the Wilderness Medical Adventure Education trip. Surrounded by red rocks and the smell of pine, we felt a mix of excitement and nervousness—ready to learn, but not knowing how this trip would change our lives.

On the first day, we gathered for the group meeting, each of us finding a seat in a circle. We ended up sitting next to each other and quickly noticed one another.

As the meeting went on, we exchanged a few words—just small talk at first—but there was an ease to our conversation. We didn’t know it then, but this was the start of something special.

The next week was filled with activities. We spent our days camping, hiking, and sharing stories around the campfire. As we talked, we found that we both loved nature. Our conversations flowed, connecting our backgrounds, our love for the outdoors, and our future dreams.

Every moment together felt natural, as if we’d known each other for years instead of days. By the end of the trip, it was clear that this connection was worth holding onto.