The Growth from Exploration

Ayden Snowboarding in Vermont
The choice of attempting Covid School or taking a gap year was an easy one for Ayden. He knew right away that he wasn't going to thrive in online college. Instead, he decided to explore and grow by being independent and moving away from home. Throughout the winter he moved up to Vermont and worked at a ski resort. He roomed with a friend from home but met so many people from all over the country. He learned about different peoples lifestyles, and jobs they have pursued. He left as the 19 year old Ayden we knew and returned with a whole knew maturity and understanding of himself and others. The growth that he was able to obtain in such a short period of time was immaculate. During our conversations about his experience in Vermont he would claim, "There's really so much more to learn about the people and places around you that you just can't find unless you go explore." It has stuck with me because I have seen all that he has experienced and learned, and it drives me to want to go out on my own to have my own adventure. 

This summer he moved in with his girlfriend in Connecticut and they both worked at Winding Trails Summer camp. Ayden got a job as the camps Mountain Bike specialist. Teaching kids sounds fun and easy, but it came with a lot more hardships than Ayden was expecting. He was given an hour with a group of kids ranging from the ages of 9-14, the group changing daily. His incentive was to teach them how to ride mountain bike trails without hurting themselves and while using proper techniques. The camp he worked for provided the bikes, but they weren't in great condition. None fully fitting the kids, breaks not working, or gears malfunctioning. He has a lot on his plate, but the camp kids were all very excited to learn from him. 
Boating at Winding Trails

I was able to attend a few days of camp and tag along with him. As I sat there observing, his deep voice rang with authority, yet amusement wrapped around his words. The kids looked captivated by him. His young, yet sharp facial features grabbed at their attention as he talks about the proper ways to mountain bike. "Alright then, are you ready to get on the trails?" The group of boys jumped up with excitement and ran to their designated bikes. Ayden chuckled and got ready to lead the ride. His long hair pushed back under his helmet, and his blonde scruff making him stand out in the group. He looks calm and composed despite all the issues going around him, as he hopes the bikes hold up for the boys. 

He's a natural at teaching the kids while riding, all of them following every instruction while he speaks, "Whoever can get up this hill without stopping gets 10 points for their camp cup. But if you can beat me up the hill you get 100. Ready... GO!" he hollered. Ayden casually rides up the hill laughing with the boys following, while sweating and pumping their legs trying to get some camp points. Ayden cheers them on from ahead, a few of the boys able to make it up the steep gravel hill, winning some points. The glint of happiness, and excitement shines in Ayden's tranquil blue eyes as he watches the kids have fun in a sport he loves.

Ayden in the outdoors
    Teaching - such a difficult concept to master, yet I feel as if Ayden has done it with no training. It all comes so naturally to him, the interactions with the kids and sharing his knowledge of mountain biking. Anyone who observes him longs to have the natural talents that he had shown in the time I spent with him at camp. Watching him helps me learn how to improve my interacting and teaching skills, in that setting and in life. 

Before I left for college, Ayden and I spent a lot of time together. I couldn't wait to get out of the house and go somewhere new. He always had the same advice for me though. 

"Go meet new people and explore, but don't forget who helped you get to this point. As much as you want to, you can't just up and leave everything."

I never understood how he could say that to me after he just left our family for almost 9 months. 

"I enjoyed my time away and it was what I needed, but I left everything. Keep your connections and don't stop talking to the family. It's easy to run and leave everything behind, but it's better to go run and remember where you started. You have the love and support here. Use it. "

I have finally been able to understand what he meant now that I am here at college. He has always supported me and helped me through everything. His advice means the world, and I couldn't get through life without my brother by my side. 

Ayden and I at Graduation

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