My Davidson | A Student Blog We’ll All Float On: Davidson Paddles Through the Florida Everglades
March 4, 2025
Hannah Foley ’27 and Miriam Smith ’25 reflect on their winter break trip with Davidson Outdoors to the Florida Everglades, where they developed their leadership, creativity and problem-solving skills through mangroves, float plans, camping and more.
About the Authors
Hannah Foley ’27 (she/her) is a chemistry major and Arab Studies minor from Naples, Florida. Outside of the classroom, she is involved with Davidson Outdoors, Women’s Ultimate Frisbee Team (PUFF) and works as an Arab Studies tutor.
Miriam Smith ’25 (she/her) is a Language and Migration Studies major from Hendersonville, North Carolina. Outside of the classroom, she has been involved in RUF, Ultimate Frisbee, and Spanish tutoring.
The Trip
The Photos
The Takeaways
"When I reflect on my experience in The Everglades, I think of a place of respite. Through this trip, I was able to distance myself from the normal hurriedness of my life as a student. At the same time, I drew closer to my classmates, to the outdoors, and to a feeling of genuine rest. It’s interesting to think that I felt rest amidst days full of paddling, setting up, and tearing down camp. Although we didn’t have much down time, I found myself enjoying the simplicity of each day and the repetitive nature of our tasks. I noticed that in this simplicity I was more in touch with myself and more open to connection with others. Each day excited me with the opportunity to explore a new, beautiful area, to see dolphins and wildlife, and to work with my friends to navigate through the mangroves and islands. While The Everglades is an astonishing place, my main takeaways from the trip are an appreciation for the simplicity of each day, the development of meaningful connections with friends, and the joy of collaboration in community."
"While paddling in the Everglades with Davidson Outdoors, I developed leadership and communication skills, practical outdoor expertise, and a deeper appreciation for the Florida Everglades. Reflecting on the experience, I can clearly see how my role in the crew evolved–from initially listening and learning as a participant to actively leading and making decisions alongside the group. At the start of the trip, I knew little about navigation, paddling strokes, and steering a boat. By the end of the week, I was confidently taking bearings with a compass, guiding the crew across stretches of ocean, and working together to captain the vessel. Overall, I gained greater confidence in various aspects of myself, which I will carry with me into everyday life."
