Marco: This trip changed my life in so many ways. When I first signed up, I thought it was going to be just another regular service trip—nothing too special or interesting—but I’m so happy I was proven wrong. Montana was an incredible experience and pushed everyone, whether in their faith, brotherhood, or relationships with each other. When I first arrived in Montana, I could see how strong the community was and how they showed compassion to everyone. Their faith as a community was completely different and unique from what I’m used to, and it truly made the trip special.

Looking back on the trip as we began landing in Maryland, I wish I had done more. I wish I had more time—or even another week—to do something more. But I believe that we all made an impact in some special way. Helping the kids and assisting with their work was always the highlight of my days because getting to know them and building relationships with them was worth more than anything money can buy. Even though some kids were harder to connect with, by the end of the day, I made an impact and left an impression on them that will never be forgotten—and if not for them, then for me. I enjoyed spending time with them and goofing around because they were like siblings to me. They reminded me of myself at their age, just being silly and doing funny things. This trip has shown me exactly what type of leader and person I want to be. I want to be a person of compassion and love, someone who shows gratitude and appreciation to all, and grace for myself. I want to be the kind of person who cares for his family and community like no other—someone who is always there for everyone and anyone, and someone people can talk to and trust. Montana showed me that even in dark situations, light will always come out on top and shine bright like no other light. I truly believe that this trip was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself, and I’m proud that I got to do this trip with my brothers, the people I now call my family. This trip was truly everlasting.

Mateo: Browning is analogous to life: the miles of rolling hills, which could hide a harmless cow, or slippery pits of mud and ice. The looming mountains that seem unclimbable until you actually begin and push through the fatigue to reach the top, where the result makes it all worth it. The journey is always easier with friends to push you along. The ever-flowing stream that we briefly paused at to take a drink, which we promised to return to later, but always pushed off until it was too late. The relationships we built at De La Salle were so meaningful, only created through a continuous outpouring of patience, compassion, and genuineness. Leaving this place was painful, but we had to leave. I'm wrestling with how the extreme love I found in Browning is accompanied by the grief of leaving, but in the end, the pain was absolutely worth it. I'm beginning to realize that I don't have to go 2,000 miles to Montana to find that same love. Now that I'm back home, I'm trying to preserve that selflessness I held for the kids at De La Salle every day. In practice, I'm placing others' needs above my own, especially the people in my life whom I usually take for granted. I don't want to live passively anymore; I want to be intentional in my relationships and make them everlasting in every part of my life. This trip was the hardest and most painful week of my life, but to learn what I know now, I would have gone through ten times the pain. Thanks.

Evan: As we fly away, watching snow-covered mountains turn to clouds, a recap of the whole trip is flying through my mind. From everlasting jokes to the small improvements I saw in the kids I worked with, this trip will always be a part of my identity. Immersion trips provide a variety of benefits for those who go on them. For me, the biggest impact of Browning was realizing how lucky I truly am to have my parents' involvement in my life. My parents have always tried their hardest to love me and help me become my best self. However, I have taken all that for granted—the small things, like picking me up every day and having family dinners, and even the big things, like supporting my passions, like 3D printing and CAD. In Browning, many children do not have a parent present in their life, whether due to abandonment or death. Seeing how the children carried themselves, even after having all these struggles, allowed me to realize all this. Going forward, I plan not only to appreciate all the things my parents do for me, but also to be proactive in spending time with them.

Joey: When I signed up to go on this trip, over 1,000 miles away from home, I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. I had heard great things about it but didn’t quite understand what they meant. I really thought about whether I wanted to go on this trip or not, and ended up waiting until the final day to sign the letter of intent. Still, after committing to it, I faced skepticism about whether this was the right decision for me. After going to the meeting that prepared me for the trip, I figured this was something I wanted to do. However, once we got there and started taking action, I began to think I had made the wrong decision. The first day of orientation felt like it lasted forever, and the first day spent almost 10 hours at the school felt like an eternity. It was hard for me to do, and something that I did not particularly enjoy. However, I got to witness Montana's beautiful mountains and landscape on Tuesday and Wednesday during snowshoeing hikes with our group and the class's field trip. However, I still viewed this as a break to get out of the work I had to do. Thursday was back to normal, and it was another long day in the classroom. I could not wait for Saturday to head back home. Although on Friday, something changed. I started to really feel the experience and recognize that it really was an opportunity I wouldn’t get again. I don’t know what it was, but something shifted. I hope I left an impact on the children there, no matter how small. Going forward, I’m not quite sure how this experience will change me. It hasn’t come to me yet, but I’m sure it will down the road. It could be a week from now, six months from now, or a couple of years down the road. I’m not sure. I think, though, that the decision I made to embark on this trip was the right one and certainly like no other. The effects of this trip will be everlasting.

Gavin: Browning, Montana, holds a special place in my heart for all the everlasting experiences it has gifted me. From hiking the glacier rivers with my friends to teaching a student something new in the classroom, I have found nothing but love throughout this trip. While this week was challenging in its nature of patience, empathy, and determination, it has taught me to be aware of all of those around me. When listening to the perspectives of speakers and students on the reservation, I learned the true value of listening to everyone's stance before making a judgment. Leaving the reservation was extremely difficult for me because not only did I know I would likely never see the students again, but I was also leaving behind a week of unbreakable bonds with my friends. I just hope we share the same relationship when we come back home. However, stepping forward, one thing I know for sure is that I want to express my love and faith to everyone I meet, and not pretend to be someone I’m not.

Henry: Going on this Montana Immersion trip has truly been a gift. I feel like it was a sign when I initially rejected Mr. Parisi's offer, and then had a change of heart when given one last chance. Seeing that they really wanted me to attend made me realize how much value I could potentially bring. Going into the trip, I received doubt from Mr. Parisi regarding my desire to join the student board next year as Chief of Staff. He wasn't sure that I had what it takes with my tendency to fool around with my friends at times. Although I do have those moments, I didn’t believe that being an unfocused character was really me. I wanted to prove not only to him but to myself that I really do have what it takes. Over the trip, I showed that you can still have many moments of laughter and foolishness and still have great conversations that will be everlasting. When Mr. McCormick and Ms. Fasy needed someone to help organize the group in a way that didn't seem as bossy as them, they realized they could turn to me. All they needed to do was give me a look or a tap on the shoulder, and I knew what had to be done. I also wanted to make sure that if any of the guys were struggling and needed help or just wanted someone to be with, I would be the one they'd lean on. I rose to the occasion at the events of leading the Talent Show introduction, leading cheers at the basketball game, and even volunteering to perform at the Blackfeet School's talent show when they were missing a few acts. When I come back to my normal life in Maryland, I won't return as the same kid, but as a young adult with the potential to do great things with the leadership I am capable of. I have so many memories built from this trip, and I have my journal to help me remember my thoughts, our quotes, and the events along the way.

Braedan: Browning, Montana, and the diverse and unique community that comes with it will undoubtedly stick with me for many years to come and holds a special place in my heart. Whether it was playing basketball against the students (and always winning), meeting and listening to the jaw-dropping experiences of the Blackfeet people regarding their dedicated faith life, finally getting that math problem correct with a student, and so, so many other memorable experiences, I have truly seen God's presence in each and every one—the people, relationships, and the environment surrounding the community. I honestly had no idea what to expect coming into this trip, but boy was I pleasantly surprised. After a warm welcome from the school community at the DLSBS Church, I was already immersed in the community through a parish breakfast and hearing their perspective-shifting stories. Once I got into the classroom, however, was when I truly fell in love with Browning. Throughout the week, the generosity and availability of the teachers was outstanding, and the kids, even though they were a little rowdy at times, truly wanted to learn and improve themselves in whatever subject was at hand. I had a lot of time to reflect on my week with the help of Ms. Fasy and Mr. McCormick, and now, heading home, I feel a call from God to serve that I’ve never felt before. I find myself wanting to go back later in life and continue serving these deserving people, which I would never have thought of a week ago. From the energetic and supportive basketball games at Browning High School to the traditions and rituals introduced to us by wonderful speakers, even to those little moments when you see your kid's face light up when they finally understand their schoolwork—it's like I am drawn to the community and desire to be immersed in it even more. Leaving this trip, I am devastated that I may never see these kids again, but I am confident that God has sent me down the right path, one I will continue to embark on long after this week. I couldn’t be more appreciative of this opportunity, surrounded by amazing and like-minded young men, with memories that will be everlasting lifetime. I can’t wait to see how God and service will change my life next.