Today was the last day. I woke up before everyone else. Kady, Logan, Peter, and Hannah, were out under the sky, in true style, fast asleep even while the sun nudged at the darkness in their eyes. I cycled to Whitefish for some coffee. The sky was overcast; the air filled with moisture, and it felt good to fly free in the early morning. While at the coffee shop I saw the flyer that Nicky had posted the previous night. It advertised our presentation that night at the library--the culmination of our academic work and all our cycling, to be given in a brief forty minutes. God, I was dreading it.

When I returned to our camp along the serene Whitefish Lake, we began to prepare for the lecture in earnest. We diligently and somewhat apprehensively plotted the theme of our course: personal experiences and solutions. Kady took charge of politics and the Waxman-Markey Bill, Peter planned to discuss the importance of independent thinkers coming together in coalition to have more power, Elise chose to talk of Brian Patrick of the innovative fuels for schools: her educational passion shining through, Hannah decided upon the importance of multiple perspectives and good people, Logan: art and the architecture of green building efficiency, and myself, the pressing issue of water scarcity that has penetrated my mind relentlessly.

The rest of the day moved slowly. Moderate planning, and packing up camp for the last time. Everyone sat around the picnic table, seeming to postpone the “final ride” to town and the staccato end of our journey.

About fifteen people came to the presentation. The presentation itself went incredibly well. With photos to assist our narration, each one of us spoke with intellect and confidence of the learning of the past month. I needn’t have dreaded anything. The best part though, was still the end, when the question and answer session began. The audience was unconvinced of the hope we had and fired questions that were rather fatalist. I.e. what about the people who don’t believe in climate change, how are we really going to convince anyone that it exists, let alone change their behavior?

I believe each one of us answered a question, with calm clarity, expertise, and an unrelenting belief that the world is already changing, legislation and initiatives are underway, that the tipping point is NOW and each one of us is a part of it. I was honestly filled with so much pride for every one of my peers. Logan, Kady, Peter, Hannah and Elise have each inspired me and renewed my faith that our world will mitigate and adapt to climate change, our world will increase our energy efficiency and create a new smart grid.

Riding back to Missoula in the van, I felt in a kind of daze. Rain drizzled in and out, and I tried to comprehend the fact the course is over. The month is gone, back to real life. But then I realized something. This is only the beginning. I think I can say this course has been a catalyst for empowerment and change for every individual involved. Nothing is over. We are armed with such a comprehensive view on climate change and energy issues, and now we are ready to enter our communities and become catalysts for other people.

We ended our presentation with an excerpt from our meeting with Elizabeth Wood of A.E.R.O. (Alternative Energy and Resource Organization). She said if you believe in something, you can’t give up until you die.

We have so much life to live, so much to give.

We saw two rainbows on the ride back to Missoula. No big deal, but I feel it was an affirmation. Hope for the future.

Thank you, Nicky, Dave, Noah, Devin, Hannah, Elise, Peter, Kady, and Logan. You all kick ass.

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