Junior Betsy Romans stands on the top of a mountain in Colorado, deep in a forest, or near a lake, instead of stressing about submitting an essay before midnight through Veracross.  Romans is at High Mountain Institute (HMI) in Leadville, Colorado, for the first semester of her junior year. Students in HMI spend a semester learning in school and exploring the nature of the Colorado mountains around them.

HMI offers a uniquely immersive experience not available in many high school programs, which Romans discovered through a family connection and school.

“​​​I became interested in HMI in the summer before my sophomore year when my mom mentioned the school. HMI [representatives] then came and did a presentation the fall of my sophomore year, and that is when I really realized how much I wanted to go,” Romans said.

During the program, students are expected to not use electronics so they can connect more with nature.

“I thought it was going to be really weird not having access to my phone and only having my computer, but it became normal very quickly. No one here has their phone except for teachers and there is a landline to contact family and friends. Otherwise, given that there are only 48 students here and we all basically live together, I don’t need a phone to talk to my friends,” Romans said.

Romans has found the social media break rejuvenating.

“It honestly makes everyone much more social and less focused on social media and apps. Even as we can access these from our computers, I know many people who have simply sworn off of it until we get home. I also really enjoy receiving letters from my family and friends, which really does not happen when you can text one another.” Betsy says.

Romans knows multiple students who attended HMI before her, which helped her make the decision to apply. She started spending her summers, backpacking and canoeing at camp Widjiwagan, on 18 day natural expeditions. Through this experience Romans has grown and had some amazing experiences.

“There are so many highs from this experience, but some specific moments would be on my first expedition, when we summited Mount Yale, which is 14,000 feet. It was the highest mountain I had ever summited or even encountered. My whole group made it to the very top and it was one of the most accomplishing feelings I have ever felt.”

In addition to the extraordinary adventures and natural scenery, Romans has also enjoyed the companionship she feels with her fellow HMI classmates.

“I love how small the semester is, and it is amazing how close we all became in such a short amount of time. I love how I can have good conversations with anyone here, and that everyone knows everyone.”

Other than the mountains right outside her door, and learning lessons outside the classroom on the week and two-week long camping expeditions, Romans notes a few significant differences between school in Minnesota and at HMI.

“Given that we take two large breaks from classes when we go on expedition, we have classes on Saturday mornings and activities on Saturdays and every other Sunday. Also, classes go until 5:30 during the school week. While this busy schedule can be fun and exciting at times, there is a very limited amount of time to complete homework and can add up at times. It is also very easy to get caught up in wanting to spend time with the HMI community outside by the mountains, instead of burying yourself in schoolwork.”

Romans recommends the HMI and semester-away experience for those who want to expand their world experience, especially in the great outdoors.

“It is such an amazing community and the classes are actually super interesting. They mostly center around the outdoors, but have really cool intersections with our everyday lives. I would also just recommend semester schools in general, as they provide such an amazing opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself,” Romans said.