Once I had kissed Kelsey goodby, checked my bags, made it through security, and finally settled into my seat aboard British Airways flight #218 from Denver to London I knew I was embarking on a truly wild adventure, what I didn’t know was it would be a life changing experience. I spent a year preparing this, and even after managing my sobriety, maintaining my relationship, holding a full-time job, going to the gym, and countless attempts to quit smoking, I still couldn’t believe that it was actually here.
I had climbed a few fourteeners around Colorado before, and I thought I had some Idea of what Elbrus would be like but, well, its hard to imagine what watching the sunrise from underneath the clouds you stand on top of everything around you, or summiting an 18,510 ft. peak is like unless you have actually experienced it. However it may sound, I learned a lot about myself, standing on the top of Europe, tears in my eyes, knowing that I had just completed the task I’d spent a year preparing for. I like to do things by myself. I pride myself on being a self sufficient person. I have a high pain tolerance and I am not easily discourage. All of this meant nothing once I hit 17,000 ft. My head was pounding, I was nauseous, I had no water, and every inch of my body was telling me to turn around. I was forced to ask for help, to swallow some of my pride and rely on those around me. I learned that there is nothing, absolutely nothing, that I cannot do if I am determined enough and am willing to ask for assistance when I get down.
The most meaningful part of the trip however was not the climb but the people I met. They invited us into their homes, and fed us even when they might not have food enough for themselves after only knowing us for a few days. I learned that even when people grow up in totally different worlds, have different opportunities and experiences, even different religious beliefs, they can still connect, even laugh and become friends, because they are human. I left Russia with a love for all humanity.
My experience with John Davis and 2xtreme has taught me to me a more loving and attentive boyfriend, a more respectful son, and more involved older brother. It has given me the drive and confidence I needed to get back into school and earn my degree.
I had climbed a few fourteeners around Colorado before, and I thought I had some Idea of what Elbrus would be like but, well, its hard to imagine what watching the sunrise from underneath the clouds you stand on top of everything around you, or summiting an 18,510 ft. peak is like unless you have actually experienced it. However it may sound, I learned a lot about myself, standing on the top of Europe, tears in my eyes, knowing that I had just completed the task I’d spent a year preparing for. I like to do things by myself. I pride myself on being a self sufficient person. I have a high pain tolerance and I am not easily discourage. All of this meant nothing once I hit 17,000 ft. My head was pounding, I was nauseous, I had no water, and every inch of my body was telling me to turn around. I was forced to ask for help, to swallow some of my pride and rely on those around me. I learned that there is nothing, absolutely nothing, that I cannot do if I am determined enough and am willing to ask for assistance when I get down.
The most meaningful part of the trip however was not the climb but the people I met. They invited us into their homes, and fed us even when they might not have food enough for themselves after only knowing us for a few days. I learned that even when people grow up in totally different worlds, have different opportunities and experiences, even different religious beliefs, they can still connect, even laugh and become friends, because they are human. I left Russia with a love for all humanity.
My experience with John Davis and 2xtreme has taught me to me a more loving and attentive boyfriend, a more respectful son, and more involved older brother. It has given me the drive and confidence I needed to get back into school and earn my degree.