A PIECE OF MY SOUL

Wyoming will forever have a piece of my soul.

Have you ever experienced a place, where you knew the moment you were there it would have a piece of your soul forever? For me, it all started with wanting to try something different. Wanting to experience something new and outside of my comfort zone. At the time, I didn’t know the decision to go out west would change the whole trajectory of my life, but it did. And words can’t even begin to describe how grateful I am for taking that leap of faith…

My college internship was what brought me out west. Growing up in suburbia I was never around many farm animals, but I always had an interest in the ranching/farming lifestyle. As much as my brain likes to solve problems and is wired to continuously improve everything I come in contact with, I aspired to have a simple, hardworking, and quiet life – a lifestyle that, for some reason, seemed so much more rewarding to me. While finishing up my Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, I had to complete an internship in order to graduate from The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences. This was my chance to experience the ‘farm life’ and try something different. I started researching large cow/calf operations around the country, and I was most interested in any type of cattle ranch out west. Who wouldn’t want to work all day in fresh air in the beautiful mountains? I came across a large farming and cattle operation in north central Wyoming, just on the west side of the Big Horn Mountains. I had never been to Wyoming, let alone even heard of the Big Horn Mountains, but this place seemed perfect for an internship program. It was in a small town called Hyattville, less than 100 people at the time, and it looked beautiful in pictures. I sent in my application, and before I knew it I was accepted and packed for my journey out west. Terra (my Nissan Xterra) was all packed and prepped for three months of the ranching life. I had no idea what I was getting into, but one thing is for sure; the summer of 2010 was one that changed my life.

My road trip across the country was an adventure in itself. Two of my best friends came with me on this journey, and we made it quite the girls trip. Let’s just say they ‘sent me off’ with a bang. We stopped at every little place on the map that seemed different, unusual, and unique to try and experience the unknown. Every state we drove through gave us some fun memories, but it wasn’t until we crossed into the Wyoming border where everything felt different. Driving through Wyoming was incredible. In my opinion, pictures can’t do the state justice; it is truly beautiful. When I finally made it to Hyattville, the town had this welcoming feeling. It was small and cute, with the main street consisting of only a small post office, bar and café. It was perfect, and I knew I would love it there. My roommates were all incredible women, each with unique and authentic personalities. The work was good old fashioned manual labor, just like I had hoped. Mornings and evenings consisted of flood irrigating, and the rest of the day, depending on weather, was spent working on horseback, fixing fence or working the hay fields. There were about 6 other interns with me at the time, and we rotated shifts to move cattle up in the mountains. I stayed in a simple cabin with running water from the nearby creek and electricity powered by a generator, along with an old tack shed that was centuries old. ‘Cow Camp’ was my favorite place, and it was nothing but open pastures, happy cows and God’s country. Summer nights in Wyoming were -and still are indescribable. The sky is lit up by a world of stars and everything seems so clear and free.

When you are in the middle of nowhere, the atmosphere of total seclusion is one of the most peaceful things a person can experience. You become grounded, and all the fear, negativity and doubts that fill and cloud your mind are released; all that is left is you, your purest self. Things become quiet enough for you to hear your own soul, and in these moments of seclusion and solitude you’re finally able to hear the important things: your dreams, your beliefs, and all the things that make up who you are. Nothing is more authentic than being able to hear your mind, body, and soul. In the Summer of 2010, I learned a lot about cattle and the ranching life, but more importantly I learned about myself. Wyoming opened the door to freedom and simplicity and ultimately grounded me to where I felt at peace, and at home. I met incredible people there, and still to this day my roommates and the friends I made in Wyoming are my people. I learned about love and the importance of loving yourself first before you’re able to truly love anything or anyone. If Wyoming hadn’t been a part of my life, I would have never been able to open up and love me for me. I would have never been able to open up and then love someone like Gary. One thing is for sure, nothing will ever replace what Hyattville brought to me. That tiny little town gave me so much, and it will forever have my soul.

This journey started with wanting to try something different. It taught me to take chances, take risks and live life boldly. I encourage you to do the same. You never know where it might lead you…