What do you do to fill up your days? I figure skate in the mornings, then I go to school. After school, I have dance practice, or I workout and do homework. On the weekends, I skate, do homework, and hang out with my friends.
How did you get started in adventuring? Every summer since I can remember, I’ve visited my uncle in New Mexico, where we would always go rock climbing. We’ve since gone on hikes, outdoor bouldering, paddle boarding, and always indoor climbing. He started my love of adventure which has just continued to grow.
What barriers have you faced in outdoor spaces? I’ve only ever done basic hiking or climbing because it’s so expensive to do actual mountaineering. I’ve never found an opportunity that I can pursue, especially as a young woman with no experience, until now.
Tell us about a time in the outdoors that solidified your love and desire for mountaineering. My first-time mountain climbing outdoors solidified my love for really being in nature. I’ve always loved being outside, walking, biking, hiking, and just being in the fresh air. I’ve also always loved rock climbing, even though I don’t get to do it that often. My first experience with outdoor climbing was bouldering two years ago in the mountains near Taos. I started on a little rock which was over a stream. The adrenaline was exhilarating, and I wanted to do more. I moved on to the actual mountain face and traversed the wall. I didn’t go that high or do anything too hard, but it was the most fun I’ve had in nature and really solidified my love for climbing, mountains, and the outdoors. Since then I’ve done top roping on bigger mountains, and my love continues to grow. I want to continue to build my experience and want to face bigger challenges and bigger mountains like Mount Baker.
