Alisha recently recieved her scholarship in 2019. She had just graduated high school and took the summer to adventure on a thru-hike with her best friend on the Pacifc Crest Trail. She gave us an update and wrote her own blog of the adventures she had on the way. Here is what she had to say:

“Thanks for reaching out! Yes, my adventure this summer was quite something and one of the best few months of my life. I hiked with my best friend from college, and I kept a blog throughout the summer: https://www.letskeepgoing2019.com/. We ended up completing about 1800 miles of the trail, but unfortunately had to cut it short due to bad weather in Washington, as well as some health challenges. Sometimes I still feel like I’m recovering .

I think the journey was altogether different than what I thought it would be. It will likely remain the hardest thing I’ll ever do in my life. At the end of our adventure, though, I was just left with the resounding feeling of gratitude. It doesn’t feel like it at the time, but it’s truly a privilege to be able to simply hike for four months straight. My partner and I both received so much support from our families and friends.

After returning home, I self-published a book of all my blogs and have given it as a gift to many family members, including my hiking partner, Regina. I’m so happy I stuck with writing a blog every day (it was a pain sometimes) so that we can look back for years to come on our PCT adventure.

I had a lot of opportunity this summer to reflect on what I wanted to do after the PCT and am so glad to now be working at a non-profit organization in Seattle called Recovery Cafe. We provide long term recovery support to those in our community struggling with homelessness, addiction and/or mental health challenges. My hike on the PCT was something of a recovery path for me, so I feel extremely grateful to work at an organization that encourages others on their own unique paths to recovery.

Anyway, I hope all of this is helpful for you and the blog! So happy to be a part of the incredible Flyin’ Ryan community”