Adam Silva: A Week in the Outdoors

When staring at a screen all day became draining, Adam Silva took to the great outdoors and learned the importance of stepping out of his comfort zone.

In the middle of online learning, I wanted to get out of the house. Spending all day staring at a computer screen was boring and emotionally draining. I had never been away from my parents for a week and I was feeling nervous.

My friends and I decided to travel to Sequoia-Kings Canyon to backpack for a week in the summertime. This task was difficult but felt easier as the days went by. I remember carrying sixty pounds on my back and I had no internet, no bed, no computer, and no shower – which seemed like it would be the worst time of my life. However, I was able to make do and appreciate what was around me.

After getting to camp each day, I felt accomplished and relieved because I was one step closer to finishing. I couldn’t wait to jump into the clear and cool river and catch fish while accompanied by the giant sequoia trees towering over me. I slept early as the days went by, which I rarely did before I went out. Every day when I woke up, I felt refreshed and ready for the day ahead of me. This was much different compared to waking up to a computer.

My greatest accomplishment on this trip was climbing up to 12,000 feet at Glen Pass. When I got to the pass, I felt relieved that I had done the hardest part of the trip. I was amazed at the giant mountains surrounding me.

Backpacking for a week was not easy. It required hard work, dedication, and a different mindset. When you’re outside without reception, a shower, a computer, and a bed, you might feel stranded or uncomfortable, but in reality, a fun time awaits you. You’ll learn how to live without a phone, a bed, a shower, and you will gain an appreciation of nature and everything around you. I believe that this comes out of everyone if they take up the challenge. Based on my experience, I’ve learned not to rely on my phone every day, learned the importance of cleaning, sleeping earlier, and the feeling of accomplishment. After this trip, I noticed myself using my phone less often, and I was grateful for what was around me. Because of what I gained from my experience, I challenge everyone to spend a week outdoors to be outside of your comfort zone.

With a Perspective, I’m Adam Silva.

Adam Silva is a student at Abraham Lincoln High School in San Francisco. His piece was produced with the KQED Youth Takeover classroom program.