Kevin “Stretch” Rohn is a middle school science teacher at Beaver Country Day School. Kevin took a sabbatical from school in order to hike the Appalachian Trail. His 2,000+ mile journey has significantly impacted his outlook on life. Kevin talks about how hiking the AT has shifted his self-growth and intention for being present. Kevin Rohn is a middle school science teacher at Beaver Country Day School and a National Geographic Certified Educator with over 12 years of teaching experience. An accomplished hiker and long distance backpacker, he has summited all 67 4,000 foot mountains in New England, including New Hampshire's 48 in winter, walked a Camino de Santiago in Spain, hiked the W-Trek in Chilean Patagonia, and recently completed a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2022. Deeply committed to mindfulness, Kevin practices meditation during these outdoor pursuits and feels immense gratitude for the transformative and healing powers of nature. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx