When asked to describe senior Savanna Campagna, her mom and best friend described her as…

Outgoing.

Upbeat.

Adventurous.

Free spirited.

Curious.

And kind.

Savanna Campagna has decided to follow her curious mind and take a gap year after her 2018 graduation in order to see the world.

“I really feel like we have given Savanna the gift of travel. One of the biggest benefits of her traveling is she has gotten so many different perspectives and stories which she otherwise would have never gotten. There are a lot of unique people in this world, and she has been inspired by all these places she has traveled to and the people she has met along the way. The friendships she has made along the way are real and super raw. They were built on real things,” Jody Aydt, Savanna’s mom, said.

Last summer, Savanna was fortunate enough to travel to Alaska for a month long backpacking trip with National Outdoor Leadership School, or NOLS.

“My trip taught me how to be more independent and to be intentional about decisions and actions. It surrounded me with highly intelligent and kind people. Taking this trip gave a sense of confidence to do what makes me happy at the end of the day, not what is going to please others necessarily,” Savanna said.

On how her travels affected her friendship, Ciana Engroff said, “This summer made me realize that her trip to Alaska really helped Savanna mature and find herself, which initially was hard for me, because we were apart but it was a great decision for Savanna. Her year off will bring her balance, moderation, independence and maturity,” Engroff said.

During her year off, Savanna plans on traveling to Patagonia, South America or to India with NOLS, where she will recieve 16 college credits, will earn certification in CPR and wilderness safety, and take a culture class in either of the areas she travels to. Savanna also plans traveling alone in hope of becoming yoga certified. After the gap year, she plans on attending either Boulder University or the University of Utah.

If anything, Savanna wants others to understand that taking a gap year is not something that should be looked down upon on; rather, it is an opportunity that should be embraced. “Every child is unique and every person is different. Why should you have each kid follow the same path?” Mrs. Adyt said. Savanna’s mom believes that taking a step back and really evaluating where you are in life is something each child should do. “Slowing down and remembering that it’s not a rat race to finish things first is something I will always believe in,” she said. “Growing up is hard. I want Savanna to enjoy herself while she is young and learn amazing things along the way,” Aydt added.

“My biggest wish to Savanna is that she lives her best life and is happy in everything she does,” Engroff beamed.