While exploring one of the winding trails above the university, my group and I were expecting nothing more than a calm afternoon—fresh air, open views, and a gentle break from our routines. But the trail had something very different waiting for us.

As we made our way up, we came across two students sitting quietly off to the side. At first, they didn’t look injured or lost—just emotionally tired. When we approached to check if they were okay, they told us something incredibly honest: they had come on the hike simply because they felt sad and didn’t know why. No specific event, no dramatic story—just a heavy feeling they couldn’t shake.

We invited them to join us, and they accepted with a kind of relief. While walking together, they opened up about their stress, their loneliness, and the silent pressure they felt at university. It was surprising how naturally they shared their struggles, and how much they seemed to need someone to listen.

Later, when we recorded a short interview for the project, they suddenly became very shy. Their voices softened, and they kept apologizing for their English, worried it wasn’t good enough for the video. But the truth is, their sincerity came through clearly—much more important than perfect grammar. Their honesty made the interview even more meaningful.

My group and I listened carefully, still wondering how we became the people they decided to trust with all of this. But sometimes, the trail brings people together in unexpected ways. As we continued walking, their shy laughter slowly replaced their sadness, and by the time we reached the viewpoint, they looked lighter—maybe not fixed, but comforted.

That day reminded us that hikes aren’t just physical escapes; they’re emotional ones too. Nature pulls the truth out of people. And sometimes, all someone really needs is a peaceful path and a few strangers willing to share it.

Meeting those two students became the highlight of our hike—a reminder that connection often appears when you’re not looking for it, and that even a shy interview with imperfect English can carry a powerful story.