Two years ago, I took the trip of a lifetime. Many don't understand when I say that this trip truly changed my life. The impact it had on me is truly incredible, and it was all due to a man who had a dream to take kids across our beautiful country. By traveling this country of mine he taught me the importance of friendships, my nation, and my God. This man is the one and only, Dennis Deaton. He is the most incredible human being I have ever gotten the privilege to meet, along with his son, Grant Deaton, his side-kick, Vickie Wilkins, the best bus driver around, Henry Jensen, and my four counselors that made this trip so amazing.

This trip that I speak of is called "Teens Westward Bound." I had the privilege of going on this trip with 80+ strangers that I now get to call my best friends forever. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of every single one of them. On this trip, I traveled from North Carolina to California and back. I got to experience some of the biggest landmarks in the nation, travel to many of our national forests, and experience some of the most amazing views I've ever seen.

This 23 day trip didn't just teach me about this country, it taught me so much about myself. It taught me to be responsible, to love, and to live my life to the absolute fullest. It showed me true friendships and how amazing God truly is.

The most amazing part about this trip is that as I grew, I made memories with not only the 80+ people on my bus, but the thousands before that went on this amazing trip. We are all connected, all because of a man who followed his dream.

I can't thank Teens Westward Bound enough for everything it has done for me. I don't think many can say they hiked the Grand Canyon, watched a rodeo in Wyoming, ran across the Golden Gate Bridge in full America gear in the freezing cold, ate tortillas for almost every meal, and most of all got to travel this country with the most amazing people.

Dennis Deaton, you are truly amazing. There is never a day that goes by that thousands of people don't think of you and this amazing organization. Thank you for being the man that you are. I don't think you know how much you are loved.

Grant Deaton, I am so happy that I got the privilege to know you. I know you are continuing the tradition that your dad started and making it just as great. I will never forget you mixing Deaton Stew with a golf club right before you hit a golfball into the Grand Canyon. The memories are endless with you. I hope that one day I get the privilege to travel across the country once again by your side.

Vickie Wilkins, you are one amazing woman. You are truly Ms. Beautiful. Your personality and kindness is what makes this world such a better place. I will never forget all the, "CAWWWSS," and, "Goooooddd Mornings." I am so glad you are a woman that I know will always be by my side. Thank you for being you.

Henry Jensen, without you this trip could have never happened. Thank you for taking me and all of my best friends across this beautiful country. Your shining personality and humor will stick with me forever.

To my four counselors, without you on this trip nothing would be the same. Thank you for all of the crazy van rides, the funny stories, and especially for being there every step of the way. You made my TWB experience that much better, and I am so blessed to have you four in my life.

And to my best friends, I can't thank God enough for putting every single one of you on this trip. You all are so unique and amazing and I will cherish our friendship forever. #TRIP2

Thank you Teens Westward Bound for the trip of a lifetime. I will never forget the best 23 days of my life.