Date: April 20th, 2015
I try to learn something new everyday. Regardless of what happens on a daily basis, I think your perspective plays a crucial role in terms of evaluating what you have learned and how you can apply that for self improvement and general wisdom. The most interesting learning opportunities, in my opinion, are the result of experiential or interactive environments.
I learned quite a bit about myself today. While I do not consider myself "outdoorsy" or a nature boy by any means, I am willing to try new experiences, especially in groups with other people who share my inexperience in the relevant task or field in discussion. The total number of hours that I've spent in my lifetime doing "outdoors stuff" probably accumulates to less than a day.This includes the 30 minute Boy Scouts meeting I attended in kindergarten, where nothing discussed at that event seemed relatively appealing to me compared to sports. It's not that I do not enjoy the outdoors, it's more along the lines that I can think of more than a few activities that I would enjoy exponentially more. That being said, the added variety is a plus and helps mix up my schedule .
Prior to the discussion of this event, I probably could not have told you many differences between a kayak and a canoe, except that I knew a canoe was longer.
One of the interesting parts of the trip was the unexpected time commitment. The trip was a great way to relax and get away from school (and my constant barrage of emails), but the thought of 10+ honors students who were forcibly removed from their studies creates an amusing image. Most honors students at TCU have probably been told numerous times that they "need a break" and in college that translates to a quick nap or show on Netflix.
As "Johnny Oatmeal" and I carried our high-speed water vessel to the Trinity River, I immediately imagined the Trinity as the beginning of my Olympic canoeing career. I jokingly asked one of our outdoor guides about the record trial time for the course and what types of endorsements I should expect upon my completion of the route and gold medal ceremony. Disclaimer: While Dr. Dan claims Sruthi won the "race" in her kayak, I am certain that Sruthi used performance enhancing modifications on her vessel, never mind the fact that the kayak was deemed as the "minor leagues" of the boat options available to us. The speed and weight advantages were obvious and will be disregarded wholly in the record books, instead of using a Barry Bonds-esque asterisk next to the declared "winner" of the day. So, as Johnny and I were the first canoe duo to finish the course, I am eagerly awaiting my medal, long overdue ceremony, and official announcement via TCU Announce or TCU 360 article.
I can definitely relate to not being a super outdoorsy by any means whatsoever. (If it wasn't apparent by my complaining that could be heard the entire two hours). I really like that you turned it into more than just a canoe trip down the Trinity. I would have to agree that you should be getting some sort of award, but Texas mail is slow, so it's probably on its way still. Keep checking your P.O. box; your medal might show up. You especially deserve some type of award for being able to get your canoe out of the rocks and grass on the side of the river-- y'all got stuck quite a bit. I commend you on your canoeing feats, and I can proudly say I came in last in the Olympic Canoe race.
ReplyDeleteMichael, it was so much fun partnering up with you for this assignment! As someone who hadn't been canoeing before, I felt better knowing that I had a great partner to help me navigate the river. I'm not going to lie, when the instructor said that the heavier/taller person should sit at the back of the canoe to do the navigating, I was ecstatic. After a slow start and hitting almost every object in the river early on in our trip, it was exhilarating being the first canoe team to reach the end. We made a great team out there. And yes, I completely agree with you that Sruthi was using some type of performance enhancing modifications on that kayak. Regardless, it was a great trip, and it's sad that half the class missed out due to weather conditions.
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