Kristin's 2020 Defining Moments

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This year I traveled to 21 states. I was fortunate enough to visit

a few states before the pandemic hit in March. This picture is on

a sunrise hike at the Golden Gate Bridge. A few days in January this

year marked my first trip to California with three great friends

including my fellow blog writers. In the wake of everything that has

restricted travel this year, I am so glad we all seized the opportunity

to travel together. I will never forget the breathtaking color the sky

displayed for us that morning with the impressive bridge in the foreground.

The golds and pinks of the new day reflected on our tired but excited faces.

This may not be your typical picture of the iconic Golden Gate bridge, but

the reflection of my friends’ silhouettes in the puddles as they get their

first glances at the view brings a new perspective to this often photographed

setting. Looking back at moments like these, capturing my friends hiking

to meet a new day dawning, makes me so thankful for all the

sunrises and sunsets I got to witness this year.

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I graduated from college this year! After four years of hard work at

Kansas State, I have received my Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

I majored in Park Management and Conservation with a secondary

major in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences and a minor

in Agronomy. I, like many graduates, did not get to celebrate my

graduation in the usual way by walking across the stage and receiving

a handshake but that doesn’t mean any of us should be any less proud

of our amazing accomplishments! Congratulations

to the class of 2020! You are amazing!

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I got my first professional job post-graduation in 2020. I worked as

a National Park Service Interpretive Park Ranger at Minuteman National

Historical Park in Massachusetts. This photo is of the Old North Bridge

(the setting of the opening battle of the American Revolution) and the

Minuteman statue this fall. This job meant that I was going to move

halfway across the United States to the East Coast. This is how I racked

up my state total to 21. While this position was not my original plan, it

ended up being the best job ever. I had inspiring coworkers and made

amazing friends. I fell in love with the place and the people. This position

allowed me to tell incredible stories of the American Revolution, the

people of this area, and the history of agriculture here. I will never

forget the haunting feeling one gets as they walk across the North

Bridge in the footsteps of different cultures of people who were

attached to this land and wanted to defend it. The challenge of being

an interpreter is trying to connect visitors emotionally and intellectually

to the resource. I will be forever thankful the opportunity to impact

everyone that came to learn about this special place.

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As a lover of the outdoors, it is not hard to believe that many of

my favorite memories from this year are from the hikes and walks I

embarked on. The restorative power of the nature is the best

medicine for a weary soul. Breathing in crisp mountain air, smelling

the fresh scents of the forests and prairies, hearing ocean waves

crashing over one another… this is what brings me peace (and a much

needed break from the chaos of 2020). The rewards of hikes are always

the beautiful views you get along the way. Every season brought new

panoramas to explore and colors that I never thought I could experience

in nature. Solo hikes brought me time to reflect on all the beautiful

blessings I have in my life and contemplated the path I want to take from

here. As many vistas as I enjoyed myself, the views were always made

sweeter by being accompanied by people I love. This photo is from a

tranquil hike near the coast of southern Maine. Sharing these moments

creates memories that last a lifetime and I am so thankful for these instants in 2020.

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I said yes to many new undertakings in 2020. I moved from college

to my childhood home to my first job in Massachusetts and back

again. This time in my life is bringing many phases of change both

positive and negative. I am thankful for all these chapters because

they bring new friends and new adventures with old pals. One of my

absolute favorite memories is exploring Acadia National Park in Maine

with my fellow blog writer and lifelong friend, Amy. She took this photo

of me on our quest to see sunrise at this famous lighthouse in the park.

Despite our best efforts, the sun did not make an appearance that

morning due to foggy Maine weather. Standing with my best friend I

had known all my life 1,861 miles from where we grew up with the cold

ocean air stinging our faces was so surreal. I remember telling

Amy, “If little Amy and Kristin could see us now, they wouldn’t believe

it and they would be so proud.” My new favorite tradition is having

Amy come to visit me in whatever place I am working in and I can’t wait

to see where we end up next. So thank you 2020, for giving me moments

with loved ones that I will hold close to my heart for the rest of my life.

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