“Walking on my own. I couldn’t see anyone in front of me or behind me. All I could hear was my breathing and the branches swaying in the wind.”

WOW group posing for a photo    

The weekend of September 24-26, the Women’s Center, in collaboration with Meghan from Outdoor Pursuits, led a group of  10 students on a hiking excursion through Mount Rogers. Located on the Appalachian trails in Virginia, Mount Rogers is the tallest mountain peak in the state. The group stayed at the Thomas Knob Shelter situated on the top of the mountain. During the excursion, students stumbled upon wild ponies, witnessed beautiful sunrises and sunsets and participated in a forest bathing mindfulness session led by junior Elizabeth MacDonald. Participants reported that after the experience they felt more comfortable in outdoor spaces, more aware of basic outdoor safety practices, more likely to seek out opportunities in nature and an overall sense of confidence and accomplishment. 

WOW member hugging a tree

 

 

 

 

 

“My favorite part of the weekend was being able to spend time with amazing people in a beautiful place! I know that I will stay in touch with everyone from this weekend, and It had such a spiritual impact on my life! I really enjoyed being out in nature and being able to have an impactful conversation with other women on campus.”

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