Step by Step
You can do it, you can do it, I thought to myself. I looked around me, and it was pitch black dark. The only sounds were the rustling of the leaves, a soft murmur of the students, and piercing howls of the owls around me. I looked up, hoping to get some light from the moon, but the long, leafy branches of the trees obscured my vision.In the distance, I caught a glimpse of the two glowing eyes of a deer. Science Camp had definitely been an interesting and adventurous experience, but this activity was definitely eccentric.
“Listen up everyone,” rang the voice of my camp leader, “ You all are going to do something called the ‘solo walk’. Basically, you are going to walk along a straight trail by yourself, trying not to use a flashlight. If you aren’t comfortable, you can turn it on once, but I highly recommend you trust your senses. You will know you are done with the walk once you see my lantern.”
I could barely make out the silhouette of my camp leader. I saw the tips of her auburn hair glistening, and her bright green eyes intensely gazing at all of us.
“ You all are going to line up. The ones who are most comfortable with walking without a flashlight can go towards the front. I am going to walk on the trail, and the parent chaperone will tell you when to go, one by one. Remember, once you see the lantern, you know you have found me. Okay?”
“Okay,” we chorused.
In a matter of seconds, we quickly arranged ourselves in a line. In the back, people pushed each other in front of them, shaking with fear. The bold ones confidently stood at the front. I really didn’t know where to go, so I ended up sandwiched smack in the middle of the line. I looked around at the beautiful Santa Cruz mountains. I wondered what mysterious wildlife was doing in the midst of all the greenery. I felt a mixture of emotions swirling inside of me like a whirlpool. As I got closer and closer to the front, I felt the excitement slowly drain out of me. What if I got lost, and not found? What if something would happen to me, and I wouldn’t reach the end? I tried to push the doubt away, but it kept coming back like an annoying fly. I wasn’t the most adventurous person, and I hoped this new challenge would help me gain insight on what it really was like to experience life in the wilderness.
“Time to go, Nevin.”
I took a deep breath, swallowed up my fear, and stepped on the path. Crunch. One step done. Crunch. Step two. I felt my heart pounding out of my chest, and all my fears were unleashed like fireflies out of a jar. Don’t let it get to your head, I thought. Suddenly, I felt a bump. Where was I? What was in front of me. I tried to use my sense of smell, touch, and sound, but I still didn’t know where I was. Surely I hadn’t got lost anymore. Don’t turn on the flashlight. But my subconscious mind got the best of me, as my sweaty thumb pressed the button. Instantly, a beam of light illuminated the path, but I quickly turned it off milliseconds later. It was just a tree in front of me.I wasn’t going to take any more shortcuts. I was going to find the lantern, and finish the rest of the trail without the help of the flashlight.
I channeled all my inner determination. It was like my instincts finally were revitalized. Step, by step by step, I slowly walked in the direction of the trail. I scanned my surroundings intently, walking with caution, but also with determination and perseverance. Eventually, I came to a small fork. I looked around, and took a step to the left. When in doubt, go left. Or was it right. I took one last glance to the right, and saw a glowing lantern. There it was. Regaining my confidence, I walked to my leader. She nodded, and put her finger to her lips. The next person would be coming soon. I sighed in relief. I did it. Step by step by step.
