Managing to ignore the voices in my head that tell me I’m not capable, the determination inside of me grows; I wanted to prove myself wrong. While droplets of sweat brim over the tip of my nose, aching muscles bicker in rebellion with each step. I came to a stop as my neck stretched back to examine the enormous mountain that towered over me. As the sun set behind it, an ominous silhouette stared back and cast a shadow over a trail leading into darkness. My friend’s eyes widened in wonder as I commanded, “Hike on!”; the eight of us scaled the Rocky Mountains of New Mexico like a patrol of ants through a rocky backyard. I was an explorer, but rather than searching for the Americas, I was on an expedition to find the next camp ground. Without
