Assignment 3 - Rob Gilligan - Going Global

As someone who has never left the country, it is difficult for me to have a complex world view. That being said, my perception of the United States is probably far more developed than most. The summer between my seventh and eight grade years, my mom and I went on a camping trip. This was not your average three day trip to the nearest camping ground though. During the course of around forty days, we traveled the entire western United States visiting more than twenty national parks. I was rather apprehensive about taking the trip, but it turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. During the month of June we visited classic parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon. However, some of my favorite parks were the ones that are not as highly regarded. Locations such as the Grand Tetons, Devil's tower, and Arches were incredibly beautiful. This trip provided me with an immersive experience of the previously unknown to me natural beauty of the United States. It gave a newfound appreciation for the environment.