Stephany Cortez, second from right, gained a greater appreciation for nature and the outdoors during a three-day trip to Canyonlands National Park and Moab/NPCA

Editor's note: Stephany Cortez participated in the YouthWorks in the Parks trip to Canyonlands National Park and the Moab area last September that was sponsored by the National Parks Conservation Association, Friends of Arches and Canyonlands Parks, and YouthWorks Salt Lake. She wrote the following essay upon returning home.

Albert Einstein said, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” I would like to believe that one of the greatest minds the world has ever known not only referred to the environment and its natural beauty but the nature of our humanity and the art of forming words into actions.

When I received a phone call from YouthWorks to join a three-day weekend in Moab for YouthWorks alumni, called YouthWorks in the Parks, I was not aware of what an experience it would be! Sponsored by National Parks Conservation Association, Friends of Arches and Canyonlands Parks and YouthWorks Salt Lake, the trip’s purpose was to explore, understand and view the significance of nature in national parks. To be among new friends, opportunities, and the nature and beauty of Canyonlands National Park had a great impact on me and provided insight for myself and the other YouthWorks alumni who attended.

YouthWorks in the Parks brings individuals of all different backgrounds and ethnicities together to realize the potential within themselves and to use their talents and skills to be leaders of tomorrow, to change the world in a positive direction, and to inspire others to go after their dreams and goals no matter the risks. During our time in Moab and Canyonlands National Park, while camping, hiking, and learning, I would come to meet individuals including national park rangers and other YouthWorks alumni who I truly believe will make a difference in this world, and their voices will be able to inspire the nation.

Being outside of your hometown, leaving behind the world you know, allows for a whole new perspective on life: opportunity, risks, individuality but most importantly on history. Without history we would not be where we are today. History not only holds the roots of who we are and where we have been, but it tells the story of where we are going.

We were honored to have Laura Martin, the National Park Service archaeologist, lead a hike to Aztec Butte. She informed us of the history and importance of Canyonlands National Park and its ties to Native American tribes. Canyonlands holds history of the Native Americans and their journey of survival and bravery. We learned about the various plants Canyonlands has and the history they hold in having helped Native Americans survive. For example, cacti was used for a fine drink, for healing, and for food. As well, Oryzopsis hymenoides, a perennial cool-season plant, was a protein used in many of the meals of the local Native Americans. We also visited what many present-day Native Americans who had passed by recognize as a refuge of medical and spiritual aid for Natives throughout the region.

Standing where history was created, where history was occurring, and taking in the scenery was a spiritual experience. It was as if one were taken back through time and could for a brief second see how Canyonlands impacted the Native Americans, and why their connection to the land is strong; why the phrase “take some from the land, and give back to the land” was of extreme importance. Their history was built on the roots of humility, bravery and understanding that our connections with each other and with the earth and its magnificent beauty as evidenced by our national parks, is as deep as our roots. We are all connected to each other. We are all connected as one, one nation, one race, one story filled with various chapters of each individual's life and how it has impacted others.

At night everyone who attended YouthWorks in the Parks gazed at the stars, looking for answers in the great beyond. The answers and possibilities were infinite. Every star shined bright, every star decorated the sky creating a view that allowed everyone to appreciate the moment.

A three-day weekend became three days of education, experience, growth and understanding of oneself, others, and the land. Three days of history were created, three days that will not be forgotten because of the core roots of the journey. Three days may not seem like a long time, but it was long enough for other YouthWorks alumni and myself to realize that our journey is not over, that our responsibility is to protect the land and educate others of its significance.

I cannot speak for everyone who participated in YouthWorks in the Parks about their individual take on this incredible opportunity, but I can say for me that it will be a trip never forgotten. Three days changed my perspective on life and allowed me to really appreciate the present, appreciate the moments with friends and family, moments of solitude, moments where one is at peace with the world, even for a second because everything we do everything we are, shapes us into who we want to be. YouthWorks and its incredible alumni and staff have influenced who I am who I want to be, whether it is to inspire others or be inspired and to follow three simple rules in life:

• Never underestimate any relationship, you never know where it might lead.
• Never close the door on any opportunity, no matter how far out one’s dreams or goals are. Do not limit yourself or your potential.
• Always take risks. No one ever got anywhere without taking risks. It is what creates the indelible moments of our lives, where we look back and are proud of our bravery and courage. 

Shakespeare wrote: “One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.” Our connections are as deep as our roots, our opportunities are limitless, our journeys infinite, we each have a story to tell, add to and explore in the history that is our world, our land and each other.

Stephany Cortez, a graduate of the YouthWorks Salt Lake program, is now a political science major at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is involved with several programs at the University of Utah including ASUU, BEACON Scholars, Lorde Scholars, and is also a Bennion Center volunteer. She recently helped to establish a new program, Students of Success, whose goal is to provide college access resources to high school juniors and seniors throughout the state. Stephany participates in community service projects working with Catholic Services and YouthWorks. She participated in her first YouthWorks in the Parks trip in September to Canyonlands National Park.