AT Reflection - Ollie Schlosser

 During the spring of 2025, I enrolled in RSTD 338, or Pilgrimage on the AT with Professor Redick. This course is a two-week trip along sections of the Appalachian Trail with several other classmates and class helpers. Prior to the trip, I had very little legitimate camping experience, along with a basic knowledge and understanding of wilderness. On this trip, Kip made sure that all of us implemented a 'leave no trace' philosophy with the intention of leaving the wilderness as we found it. Reflecting back on the trip all these months later, this philosophy has stayed with me and greatly benefited my immediate environment. However, having a company in the landscaping industry clashes with this philosophy. My whole job is centered around leaving a trace, whether it is cutting grass, hedges, cleaning up leaves, or several other examples. To get these jobs done, I have gas-powered equipment to help get it done quicker. Since the trip, however, I have made a conscious effort to cut down on the usage of equipment that puts off harmful emissions and use hand tools where I can. While it is a rather small shift, my time on the AT planted a deep seed in me to be more conscious of my actions toward the environment, and at the very least, it is a place to start. 

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