My Experience in the Post
My experience in the Post
Written by Avery Keuter
There’s something grounding about the crunch of snow beneath my boots, the smell of trees after rain, and the way the sunrise looks from the top of a ridge when the rest of the world is still asleep. For me, the outdoors have never been just scenery. It’s where I’ve learned who I am. Through Post 58, an organization that connects highschoolers from all backgrounds with nature, I’ve discovered not only a love for mountaineering, hiking, rock climbing, and skiing, but also a deep appreciation for people, the environment, and the power of shared experiences.
When I first joined Post 58, I was drawn to the thought of summiting peaks and sleeping under stars. But the more time I spent, the more I realized that what I loved most wasn’t the climbing itself, it was the people holding my rope. During long hikes or freezing nights in a tent, I learned to listen, to laugh, to share food and stories. I learned that everyone, no matter their background, had something to teach me. That understanding has made me a more open, empathetic, and patient person.
There was a backpacking trip through the Wallowas that really stood out for me. A few of us had never done a trip that large before, and the weather went from sunny and partly cloudy into rain, wind, and even hail. We got soaked and everyone was feeling low, the packs felt heavier than ever. But instead of complaining, we encouraged one another, shared extra snacks, and took turns leading the trail. That moment taught me that leadership isn’t about being the strongest, instead it’s about lifting others up. By the end of the trip, everything felt worth it because we finished it together.
Post 58 has also deepened my connection to the environment. Spending so much time outdoors has made climate change and environmental degradation feel personal. When a glacier retreats or a river runs lower each year, I can’t ignore it. The organization emphasizes Leave No Trace and sustainable practices, and I’ve carried those values into my daily life. Recycling more carefully, minimizing waste, and advocating for conservation. I want to help make sure that future generations can experience the same untouched beauty I’ve been lucky enough to see.
Being part of such a diverse, passionate community has helped me grow into someone who is more outgoing than I’d ever thought that I’d be. I’ve learned to start conversations with people I barely know at the start of a trip and return home with lifelong friends. I’ve learned to find joy in discomfort, laughter in rain, and courage in exhaustion. Most of all, I’ve learned that when people come together with a shared purpose, whether it’s climbing a mountain or simply cooking dinner in the woods, extraordinary things can happen.
Post 58 has shown me that the outdoors is a powerful teacher. It doesn’t care about where you come from, what you look like, or what you can afford. It just asks that you show up with respect, curiosity, and determination. I’ve found a way to mix adventure with meaning, and passion with purpose. It has shaped not only my love for the outdoors but also my vision for the future, that everyone deserves the chance to see what we have seen, which means trying our best to sustain what we have now so more generations can see it all . Every trail I hike and every peak I climb reminds me of the kind of person I am and who I want to be, outgoing, understanding, and committed to making a difference. And it all started with a group of people who believed that the best way to grow is to go outside together.