Sarah Peterson                                                             Ben Shillington & Sarah Make It!
First-Year Outdoor Adventure student

Blog # 2 - December 8, 2006
An Outdoor Adventure Student’s Perspective

As a student in the Outdoor Adventure Program, I am trying to learn as much as I can while I am on the Kilimanjaro climb.  I am in a unique position where I am both a participant and a sort of apprentice guide.  The wealth of knowledge I am exposed to is incredible and I have already learned so much from observing Ben Webster, Shaunna Burke, Ben Shillington, and Cameron Dube.

As this is a completely new experience for me, I am finding some challenge in caring for my own needs and trying my best to perform as a guide to the clients who are paying for this trip.  This entails putting my own personal discomforts aside and maintaining an energetic disposition while talking with clients.  I was finding this exceptionally challenging yesterday as we gained 2,000 feet in elevation in very inclement weather.  When you are cold, wet, tired and have a throbbing headache, it is difficult to be concerned about anyone except for oneself.  The rewards become apparent when the clients are thanking you for your care and concern about their welfare.  I am lucky in my position here, as the experienced guides are concerned about my well-being also.  I am learning how important teamwork and communication are between the leaders of a group, and how it is imperative to care for one another as well as care for the clients.

I am also learning how much seemingly little things matter on a trip like this.  For example, at home I would put on my shoes and leave the house and not think about anything further.  Putting on your shoes here, without sanitizing your hands afterwards might end your trip.  Getting sick is a big fear, and is so easy to do in this kind of environment.  As a guide on a trip like this, you must always be watching everyone, the clients, the porters, and yourself.  A little mistake could make you very sick, and at home it could be something you wouldn’t give a second thought to. 

What I have learned so far on this trip has been incredible and there is only more to come.  Last night the breathtaking spectacle of a starlit sky illuminating Mowenzy peak cancelled out any pain or discomfort I may have been feeling earlier in the day.  I think of how lucky I am to be here.  I know that there is more discomfort to follow but I also know that the rewards I have had even this far on the trip, will outweigh any of that as I continue to make the most of this opportunity.