Hey guys, I hope everyone is having a great first week back from spring break. I saw a lot of my friends travel to places that are on my bucket list, and I’m grateful that I got to cross off Denver! It was a ton of fun exploring the city and the great outdoors with everyone, and I loved our hangouts and eats off of the itinerary. I got to experience the greatest Bachelor moment and really got into the storyline with everyone. I had no expectations going in, but I loved our time in Denver and would love to go back to try rafting in the river next time!
Something that surprised me about Colorado was how bright the sun felt. I don’t know if it made a difference, but being in the high elevation and getting to soak up so much sun felt really great. I also underestimated how beautiful the views of the mountains and red rocks are in person. It was my first time snow tubing, and I really got to enjoy how easy it was, although I was definitely jealous of the skiers next to us.
Our speakers were so inspiring, I especially loved our diversity discussion with Michael Benitez. It was also great to get a deeper view of building long careers and unconventional paths. I want to follow up on what we learned and the advice our speakers gave us that I wrote down. CHOP really stuck out to me, and I hope to take these values along with me as I explore opportunities in my path.
The food and atmosphere at Tavernetta, Pearl Street, and Boulder Bushanbe Teahouse were amazing and super fun to experience with everyone. The trip was incredibly eventful and such a great experience on the personal and worldview parts, I want to express my gratitude for Ed and Helen Hintz as well as Lisa and Sam and the interns for another amazing trip!
In the end, I was happy to have had time in Denver, and the traveling definitely caught up to me. I went home to Pittsburgh and got to spend 4 days with my family. I took care of some errands and got to rest up with my cats. Coming back to school, I felt like spring break went by way too quick, so I was easing back into everything this week. It was great to catch up with my friends.
Hi Megan,
I am glad to hear that you love the Denver trip as much as I did. I had never been either, and it definitely surpassed all of my high expectations. The natural beauty was amazing, but the city itself was incredibly clean and well-kept as well. I loved all of the speakers, sight-seeing, and networking we got to do there. It was certainly one for the books 🙂
What a great recap! I also had a blast in Denver and appreciated the speakers, PLA programming, as well as emphasis on time spent in the outdoors. I’m lucky to have gone a few PLA trips already, and this was a great way to wrap up my experience. I’m hoping your future PLA trips are just as awesome — they’re an amazing opportunity to learn about a new place, bond with your fellow PLAers, and make amazing memories.
Hi Megan, this trip was also my first Denver and I really enjoyed it as well! Definitely a lot of things checked off of my bucket list, especially visiting Red Rocks (next time I’ll have to be back for a concert!). I really like your point about how bright the sun was. It might just be the altitude and the outdoor excursions, but I certainly felt more connected to nature out in Colorado. Justice for Maria!