A Journey of Connection and Discovery

It’s funny how something as simple as the sound of crickets at night can make you feel both completely out of place and oddly at home at the same time. We’ve been on the road for a few days now, and as much as I love the adventure, I won’t lie—I’m starting to feel a little homesick. The excitement of exploring new places is amazing, but there’s a certain comfort in familiar faces and the feeling of knowing where I am. Even though we’re at Theodore Roosevelt National Park surrounded by rugged views and wild bison grazing near our campsite, part of me still longs for my own bed, the smell of local coffee shops, and the quiet moments with friends.

It’s not that I’m not loving it here—I am. The park is beautiful, with its rolling hills and weathered  landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see. The stillness of the Badlands is mesmerizing, like the whole world is holding its breath. But right now, I’m caught between the wonder of this new place and the tug of what I left behind. It’s the kind of homesickness that sneaks up on you when you least expect it—when you’re not sure whether to explore the view or turn back to the familiar.

Maybe it’s because we’ve just left the comfort of home and I’m not fully settled into the idea of life on the road yet. Maybe it’s because the idea of exploring places like Theodore Roosevelt National Park is impressive, but it’s also big—bigger than what I’ve ever known. It’s easy to feel small when you’re surrounded by the kind of wild beauty that stretches on as far as the eye can see. And yet, that’s part of the draw, right? It’s the adventure of being somewhere new, of finding something unexpected and beautiful that you never thought you’d discover. But at the same time, you can’t help but feel a little lost when you’re away from everything that feels comfortable and natural.

And then there’s the duality of my homeschool life. Sometimes I wish I had the familiarity of my old routine—waking up, getting started on assignments, then heading out for a nature walk or  simply reading a book on the front porch. Homeschooling gives me the flexibility to blend academics with the world around me, and that’s something I really appreciate. But being on the road, juggling my homeschool curriculum with the classes I’m taking through dual enrollment, is a whole new challenge. I’m still figuring out how to balance reading history textbooks and then exploring that history in real time all around me. It’s kind of surreal to study Theodore Roosevelt’s life in a book and then walk the very places that inspired him to become a conservationist and shaped his political views. It  feels like history comes alive here. 

Being here in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, surrounded by wide-open spaces and scenic views is like being reminded of just how small I am in the grand scheme of things. It’s humbling, really. These vast hills, the winding Little Missouri River, the soaring eagles, and the bison roaming freely across the land all feel timeless—unchanged by the busyness of the world I left behind. It’s hard not to feel a little out of place when everything here feels so ancient, so permanent, while I’m caught up in the newness of this adventure. The same could be said for my schooling experience. My dual enrollment classes are pushing me to think bigger, to expand my world beyond the comfort zone of homeschool. But that’s also the beauty of it—having the chance to take college-level classes while still being able to embrace the freedom that homeschooling gives me. It’s a balancing act, but it’s all part of this bigger journey.

This park, named after the 26th president of the United States, was established officially in 1978. Roosevelt, at one time, was a rancher here in the late 1800s. His time spent in the Badlands shaped his love for conservation and his belief in the preservation of natural landscapes. It’s not just a park—it’s a place where history and nature collide. The rugged terrain and wide-open spaces are a living reminder of what Roosevelt loved and fought for. 

When Roosevelt first came to the Dakotas, it wasn’t just a getaway. He came seeking solitude and recovery after personal loss. He spent time here in the wilderness roughing it in the harsh conditions, and it was during this time that he found his passion for the outdoors and conservation. This park is more than just a beautiful spot; it’s where Roosevelt’s ideals were forged, and it’s incredible to stand here in the same place he did all those years ago. It’s easy to understand why he found peace in this land, even with its stark, sometimes unforgiving beauty.

As I walk the trails and take in the expansive views, I continue to be brought back to what different landscape types there are outside of home! The wind through the tall grasses, the shadows cast by the steep cliffs—it’s easy to see how a person could get lost in the wonder of it all. For me, that’s part of the charm. Whenever I’m feeling a little lonely or a little homesick, I force myself to realize that maybe that’s part of what this journey is about. It’s about being in places that challenge you, about finding peace and purpose in the quiet moments, even when you’re feeling disconnected from what’s familiar. As I balance my homeschooling and college assignments with this incredible experience, I feel like I’m getting a hands-on lesson in history, nature, and personal growth all at once.

There’s a sense of legacy here, too—both of Roosevelt’s and my own. As I think about the future, about what this trip means for me personally, it feels like I’m writing my own chapter of a bigger story, like Roosevelt was doing. There’s more to life than just the comfort of home. Sometimes, the best moments come when you step outside of your comfort zone, even if it means feeling a little lost for a while. 

I guess that’s the beauty of travel, right? It forces you to confront the tension between the known and the unknown, the comfort of home and the call of uncharted territory. Standing here, looking out over the Badlands, it’s hard not to feel like part of something bigger than myself. This land, with its sweeping views and quiet majesty, has seen generations of people come and go, yet it remains unchanged. It’s a place where history meets the present, where personal growth happens in the quiet moments when you’re feeling farthest from where you started.

And so, despite the homesickness, it’s peaceful here in the silence of the park. I’m learning to embrace the discomfort, knowing that this is all part of my story. The adventure is just beginning, and maybe that’s the best part—feeling the tension of it all and realizing that even the moments of uncertainty and longing are worth something in the end. My homeschooling and dual enrollment journey are a reflection of that very process—learning to balance the familiar and the unknown, and embracing the adventure that comes with each step.

A Special Shoutout to NCC

As I reflect on how my experiences at Theodore Roosevelt National Park have helped bring history to life, I can’t help but appreciate how my classes at Northwest Community College (NCC) continue to expand my understanding of the world. The professors and the courses at NCC have been a huge part of my journey as I balance homeschooling with college-level coursework. Their support and the engaging classes they offer have given me the tools to dive deeper into my subjects which have made my experiences on the road even more meaningful.

One thing I love about NCC is the flexibility it offers, especially with the unique pace of homeschooling and travel. Whether it’s through online courses or pre-set deadlines, I can stay on track with my studies while experiencing new places and ideas. The college has provided a great foundation for my academic goals, and I can’t wait to continue learning with them. Plus, the professors really care about helping students like me succeed, and that makes all the difference when juggling school and travel.