MISTI Blogs

To those who know me, “granola” is more than just another adjective I use to describe myself–it’s a significant part of who I am. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, Urban Dictionary defines it as “enjoying the outdoors.” I’ve always been that person, but the experience I credit most for that part of me is a two week backpacking trip in New Mexico the summer before senior year of high school. 

While literally in the middle of nowhere–no cell service, no toilets, no signs of civilization for miles–I found myself taking solace in the nature around me. It gave me the space to slow down and actually reflect, to be present and more aware of my thoughts. That connection stuck with me, and I still feel it whenever I go on a hike or even just a casual run. 

I didn’t know it then, but being placed in Slovenia for my MISTI experience would be more than I could have asked for. Not only is the nature here second to none, but there’s also such a strong cultural emphasis on taking the time to explore it and be active. On weekends, it’s not uncommon to find towns unusually quiet as locals flock to the mountains for hikes, climbs, and fresh air. Nature being this ‘built-in’ part of the lifestyle here is one of the things I know I will miss most when I leave.  

About two weeks in, I made the spontaneous decision to climb Triglav, Slovenia’s highest peak at 2864 meters (~9400 feet). I had no clue what I was getting myself into, guided only by the adrenaline of the challenge ahead. Looking back at that first solo summit, I might have chickened out if I had known every grueling detail of those 48 hours in the mountains—ridge climbing with nothing but a cable for support, icy footholds, and a sharp drop always just a misstep away. But that, I’ve realized, is the beauty of taking on something that scares you. Sure, it requires a certain level of physical ability, but the majority of the push comes from pure determination—and the rush that comes with it.

Somewhere between the long hours of climbing and the quiet stretches of being alone with my thoughts, I realized that this applies far beyond hiking. Knowing every lecture, assignment, and concept before taking a class defeats the very purpose of going to class. Being perfectly qualified for every task a job requires turns the day-to-day into a monotonous routine with nothing new to take away. Only when forced into unfamiliar territory to do things you’ve never done before does growth actually happen.

For me, hiking in Slovenia has been a blend of that challenge and reflection—pushing past both the physical and mental limits I didn’t know I had, while also having the space to think and reflect on life. Along the way, these “side quests” have also made this place feel more like home. First, because every adventure allows me to become more familiar with my surroundings, adding to the “knowing my way around town” feeling. And second, because no matter where I go—a long day at work, a challenging hike, or a weekend abroad—I find myself looking forward to coming back to the same little space I have here. Over these last 10 weeks, it’s become much more than just a place to stay—it’s become the place I call home.