JOURNAL

I never write like this. Usually the extent of my writing is grocery lists or ideas for photos to take. Last week while I was skimming through Instagram, I got a message from @coolworksjobs. They loved a few of the photos I had recently posted and asked if I’d be willing to write a post about how a seasonal job has changed my life. The last time I wrote anything this long, it was probably freshman year of high school. Almost 10 years ago. So Mrs. Hudson, thank you for your amazing English teaching skills, because here goes nothing. Literally.

I grew up in Tallahassee, Florida. Growing up I never really had a solid group of friends in school or down the street because my parents constantly moved every few years. It got to the point where I wouldn’t even bother trying to meet or hang out with people because I knew I was going to move soon and switch schools. Friday nights, I’d be alone in my room playing Xbox and eating a ton of pizza rolls til 3 AM. What a life, right?

So how has a seasonal job changed my life? I’m sure lots of people will talk about the amazing travels they’ve experienced because of seasonal work. I can absolutely agree with that. But it goes a little deeper for me. I, too, have traveled to amazing places and seen a lot of beautiful things. But the thing that’s really changed my life are the amazing friendships I have made along the way.

Before setting out, I didn’t have any life experience. I wasn’t confident. I was socially awkward. But everyone I met in seasonal life didn’t care about any of that. They cared about getting to know me, teaching me what they know, and making me feel like I was actually worth something. Just like when I moved around as much as I did as a kid, I did have the thought that all the friends I made weren’t going be the same as the seasons ended. Seasons and jobs come and go. So do the people along with it. But during the time I was away from them, they kept in touch, and were hoping to meet up before we went back next summer.

Denali in 2013, 2014, and 2015, Glacier Bay in 2016, Grand Teton in 2017. I couldn’t thank those friends enough for everything they’ve done for me. They didn’t have to take me on hikes. They didn’t have to have to give me a beer and sit next to me at a campfire. They didn’t have to accept me and welcome me as a friend. But they did, and I only hope they know the same respect they gave me has been given right back to them. I don’t know what kind of person I would be if it wasn’t for those relationships. But now I’ll never have to worry about going anywhere and being alone. I’m never alone. Never again.

Follow Nick’s adventures on Instagram at: @nicksjourneys