Experiences Matter

There’s nothing more fulfilling as a parent than witnessing your child step into their passions with confidence and curiosity. My daughter Karli has always had a fascination with rocks and geology. From the time she could walk, she’d pick up interesting stones, marveling at their colors and textures. Over the years, her collection has grown, as has her knowledge, and her enthusiasm has inspired me to nurture her interests in every way I can.

Recently, we took a trip to the Edgar Experimental Mine in Colorado, a renowned educational hub where students and professionals learn about mining operations. It was Karli’s dream to see a working mine, and I knew this experience would be one to remember. What made it even more special was that we were joined by Jess, a geologist turned mine industry advocate. Jess’s career is a testament to the incredible possibilities within the field, and she graciously mentored Karli during our visit.

Walking through the mine’s tunnels, I saw Karli’s eyes light up as Jess explained the geology

of the area and the techniques used to extract valuable minerals. Jess didn’t just answer Karli’s questions—she encouraged her to think critically, to look closely at the rock formations, and to imagine herself in this field someday. It was powerful to see a woman like Jess leading in a space traditionally dominated by men, and I could tell Karli saw herself reflected in Jess’s confidence and expertise.

The most heartwarming moment of the day came during the tour, as we stood with a group of mostly men, listening to the guide explain an obstacle course designed to train miners for navigating tight spaces. The setup was used to simulate the confined and challenging environments miners often face underground. While the guide moved on with the tour, Karli raised her hand and asked a question that caught everyone off guard: “Can I try it?”

At first, the guide hesitated, explaining that the course wasn’t part of today’s tour. But Karli’s enthusiasm must have been contagious because after a few moments of thought—and a couple of turns from others—they said, “Alright, let’s give you a shot.” Karli’s face lit up as they let her step forward to take on the challenge.

I watched, heart swelling with pride, as she tackled the obstacle course with determination. Crawling through tight spaces, ducking under beams, and climbing over barriers, Karli worked her way through like she’d been preparing for this moment her whole life. Jess stood nearby, cheering her on, while I captured the moment in my mind as one of the most courageous and inspiring things I’ve seen.

When she emerged from the other side—dusty, tired, but grinning from ear to ear—the group broke into applause. Karli had done something no one expected, not because she was asked to, but because she believed she could. In that moment, she showed everyone around her what it means to ask for an opportunity and seize it, even in a space that might not always seem welcoming.

As a parent, moments like this remind me how important it is to lead by example. I want Karli to know that her dreams are valid and achievable, no matter the obstacles she may face. Seeing her navigate her passion with such fearlessness inspires me to do the same in my own work and life. Jess’s mentorship reinforced for both of us the value of representation and advocacy in fields like geology and mining.

The day ended with Karli clutching a piece of rock she’d examined earlier, her face glowing with accomplishment. I’ll always treasure the picture I took of her raising her hand that day, a snapshot of bravery and ambition in action. It’s a moment I’ll carry with me, a reminder that as parents, our greatest achievement is empowering our children to believe in themselves.