INTRODUCTION

The Everglades are not like any other national park I’ve been to. There aren’t any mountains or forests—just miles of open wetlands, tall grasses, and slow-moving water stretching as far as you can see. The air feels thick with humidity, and the breeze carries the earthy scent of marshes and freshwater. It’s quiet, but not in a peaceful way—more like the kind of quiet that makes you feel like something’s watching you.

From the moment we arrived at the Shark Valley Visitor Center, it felt wild and untamed. The grass swayed in the wind, and the water mirrored the overcast sky. I spotted an alligator’s head poking out from the surface not long after we started exploring—its dark eyes barely visible above the waterline. You could feel the energy of the place—like it was alive and moving all around you.

We had a lot planned—a long bike ride through Shark Valley, an airboat ride across the wetlands, and plenty of time to see the wildlife up close. I had a feeling this trip would stretch me—not just physically, but mentally too. The Everglades don’t just offer new sights—it asks you to pay attention, to push through, and to learn as you go.

Shark Valley – A 15-Mile Lesson in Resilience

When I first heard we were doing a 15-mile bike ride through Shark Valley, I was excited. I love biking, and the path looked flat on the map, which sounded promising. But I quickly learned that flat doesn’t always mean easy—especially when you’re biking straight into the wind.

The ride started off fun. The sun peeked through the clouds, and we were surrounded by miles of wetlands. We passed birds wading through the grass, turtles sunning on the edge of the path, and—yes—alligators. A lot of alligators. Some were resting in the grass just a few feet away. Others floated in the water next to us, looking completely unbothered.

But as the miles ticked by, the wind started to wear us down. It felt like we were pedaling into a wall. There weren’t many shady spots to rest, and the breeze—which had felt refreshing at first—became one more thing we had to push against. There was no shortcut, no turn-around option. The only way out was to keep going.

That’s where the lesson came in. Building resilience isn’t about doing something hard once—it’s about continuing, even when your legs are tired and your water bottle is empty. It’s about facing the wind and deciding to push forward anyway. And honestly, I think that’s something every kid (and adult) can grow from.

Airboat Ride – Fast, Wild, and Unpredictable

If biking through alligator territory wasn’t thrilling enough, the airboat ride took it to a whole new level.

We climbed into this big flat-bottom boat with a giant fan on the back, slipped on our headsets to block out the roar, and buckled in. The noise was intense, so loud that even with the ear protection, you could feel the vibrations. Then we were off, zooming across the shallow water like we were gliding.

Wind whipped through my hair, and the boat skimmed over patches of grass and open water like they were the same thing. Our guide pointed out birds in the mangroves, fish darting beneath the surface, and—of course—more alligators. Some were floating silently right next to us, looking half-asleep and half-curious.

The whole ride was fast, loud, and unpredictable. We never knew which direction we’d swerve next or how close we’d get to the wildlife. It wasn’t exactly scary, but it did take a little bit of trust—trust in the boat, in our guide, and in the process.

And maybe that’s part of building resilience too. Sometimes you don’t get to steer. Sometimes the best thing you can do is hold on, stay open to the experience, and learn as you go.

Spiritual Reflection – Strength in the Struggle

There was a point during that 15-mile bike ride when I hit a wall.

We were more than halfway through, and the wind was relentless. It felt like no matter how hard I pedaled, I wasn’t getting anywhere. My legs ached, my water bottle was almost empty, and the trail ahead felt endless. I remember thinking, How much longer can this go on?

That moment stuck with me—not just because it was physically hard, but because it reminded me of how life feels sometimes. You push and push, and it still feels like the wind is against you.

It made me think of Isaiah 40:31: “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

That verse doesn’t promise that hard things will go away—it promises that God will give us the strength to keep going. That’s what I needed in that moment on the trail. Not for the wind to stop, but for the endurance to keep pedaling.

It’s easy to talk about faith when life is calm. It’s different when you're in the middle of something hard—when it takes everything in you just to move forward. But that’s when faith becomes real. That’s when you learn to lean on God, not your own strength.

The Everglades taught me that endurance doesn’t always look graceful. Sometimes it looks like a tired kid pedaling through the wind, whispering a prayer for help and knowing He’s listening.

Learning Beyond the Classroom – Where Curiosity Leads the Way

The Everglades made me ask more questions than I expected.

Why do alligators stay so still? How do mangroves survive with their roots underwater? What happens if these wetlands disappear? Being surrounded by so much life and movement made me curious—not just about nature, but about how everything connects. That’s the kind of learning that doesn’t stop when you leave the park.

That’s what homeschooling and dual enrollment have taught me—it’s not about memorizing facts. It’s about learning how to ask better questions.

And that’s exactly why I love Northwest Iowa Community College. Their online classes don’t just check a box—they help me stay engaged and keep exploring what I care about. Whether I’m deep in the Everglades or working on an assignment in the RV, I have the flexibility to learn in a way that fits my lifestyle.

➡️ If you’re looking for an education that works with your sense of adventure, check out Northwest Iowa Community College. They offer supportive instructors, flexible scheduling, and the freedom to keep your curiosity alive—no matter where the road takes you.

Because real education happens when you’re excited to learn—not just when you're sitting still.

Final Thoughts – Strength Comes from Pushing Through

Before the Everglades, I don’t think I really understood what people meant when they talked about building resilience.

But after biking 15 miles in the wind, getting up close with more alligators than I could count, and holding on tight during that airboat ride, I think I get it now. Resilience isn’t about being fearless. It’s about showing up anyway. It’s about choosing to keep going, even when it would be easier to stop.

Every part of this trip reminded me that growth doesn’t always come from comfort. It comes from movement, from challenge, from trying again when you’re tired. Whether it’s in school, in life, or deep in the swamps of Florida, strength is built when we keep showing up—even with shaky legs and windblown hair.

So if you’re in the middle of something hard—something stretching or uncertain—remember the Everglades. Remember that God gives strength for the journey, and that some of the best lessons come when you’re just trying to keep pedaling.