I will first start off by saying thank you so much to you and Propeller. But mostly you, because of your kindness that came across in all of your emails and communications and for helping us every step of the way.

Thank you to Propeller for this trip. I am from a part of the United States that some might deem "un-opportunistic" and "un-wealthy" in most every facet you could imagine —and some that most can't imagine but exist — for the better and for the worse.

I have worked tirelessly my whole life trying to provide better opportunities for the future generations of my family, showing them to not give up and to constantly persevere. I have lived away from my family for the better part of 15 years now and there isn't any point where I wake up and think it's easy. I also try to provide support for my past generations of family. However, in my experience, trying to just "make it" as an adult alone is an everyday obstacle.

When I won this trip, my mother had just been through a very, VERY trying time health-wise. I knew immediately to ask her to go with me because we have both been working so hard our entire lives. We have always talked and dreamed about traveling the world, and traveling as a family, although we both knew it would probably never happen for us truly because of life circumstances.

So although my moms youth and health isn't what it once was, she agreed to go and we had an amazing experience that I cannot express appropriately with words but I will try.

I have never been to Vegas and I never would have imagined going with my mother lol, but here we were. We had an amazing time people-watching, trying slots machines, hitting the black jack tables and lounging by the pool.

The hiking trip was absolutely mind-blowing. We hiked every trail we could, we slept under the mountain-stars in the cabin at night, we were blown-away by the beauty of the great SouthWest; the colors, the stories of the people, and the rich history of the land. I personally loved the Monument Valley tour and talking to the Navajo. I felt a great respect and awakening from within for these people and this land and a deep sadness for what has happened to our Native people of this country.

I think Bryce Canyon was particularly gorgeous and I hiked my first "challenging" hike there and was floored by the beauty of the land and the hoodoos.

The trip went flawlessly, the tour guide was excellent, the group of people were fun and amazing and I can't say enough that it changed our lives.

It did and we have a new perspective on a part of this country I never thought I would get to see, let alone with my mother. I also think it's important to respect the past generations of our ancestors and to treat them with love and respect. They sacrificed so much for us and I believe our elderly and parents are frequently forgotten about in this country and I hope to be part of a generation that changes how we take care of them and our planet.

I wish we had a million years to live our lives here and to have every opportunity to explore and connect with others and our families. I know this isn't the case and I am grateful for every moment and opportunity given to me.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I hope to continue to live a life of gratitude and unwavering exploration on this great blue planet.

-Jodie