Employee Feature: Brieonna

Enjoying the view at the Grinnell Glacier Overlook off the Highline Trail

I have been lucky enough to spend the past two summer seasons exploring Glacier National Park. Before starting my first season here, I had very little hiking experience. So when I ended the season having hiked 275 miles, it was so rewarding. I left feeling the strongest and most confident I had ever felt. There is something truly special about reaching a peak, or the end of a hike, and seeing how far your body has taken you. It is even more special when you can share those moments with friends you have just made—but feel as if you’ve known each other for so long. These same friends are the reason I felt capable of doing hikes that once seemed so out of reach.

Going into both seasons I knew I was going to meet some amazing people. Even so, I was surprised by how quickly connections were made. The idea of living in a house with more than 12 people was a bit daunting, but it quickly became a little family. There were so many fun nights spent playing games, painting, singing, and dancing in the rain.

One very silly night was spent playing sardines. This is where one person hides and everyone seeks. Once you find the person hiding you join them until only one seeker is left. To start we sang one of the many Pitch Perfect-style songs to give the hider ample time. Eventually, 12 of us ended up in one closet (if you could see the size of this closet you would be impressed). After a few minutes, we realized we did not keep track of how many of us were there. It turns out we were all waiting in the closet for the final seeker who was never coming. It was during moments like this that I felt as though I was exactly where I was supposed to be—truly happy and creating memories with people who mean so much to me.

As I am one of the last to leave Glacier this year, I have to watch everyone slowly trickle out of our once-full house. Everything starts to become a bit quieter and it can feel empty. During these times I remind myself that I am able to keep little pieces of everyone I’ve met with me. All the memories I have made, and the people I’ve made them with, will stay close to my heart.