Laura Hunter

This has been a weird year for every member of our community. Something I have been continuously grateful for is One Stone's handle on the Covid situation. We have remained a strong and tightly knit community even while working miles apart. I have created connections with people that I have never met, and I feel comfortable and close with all of them. This is not something a lot of people can say during this pandemic, and it has really given me perspective on my life. I have learned not to take connections for granted and to not be afraid to be vulnerable with people that I'm not as close to. The last Lab51 immersion I experienced took place in the foothills, and even though we were socially distanced the entire time, I was so grateful for the chance to create in-person bonds again. I forced myself to get over my fear of being outgoing with my peers. This was a huge fear of mine for no logical reason because all of the students and coaches at my school are the most supportive and nice people. This had a major impact on my experience with this immersion and I feel less afraid to put myself out there. I don't feel constantly judged and hated by everyone anymore, and I realized that the fear had only been in my head this entire time. One Stone has permanently changed my life for the better- benefitting me and all of the people I hope to create connections with soon in the future. To me being the good in my community means giving everyone a chance and not being afraid of vulnerability because it can lead to the best opportunities in life.