would have to say, Antarctica exceeded my expectations! As one of only five Americans on my expedition, I was able to connect with cultures from all over the world in the most uninhabited place on Earth.  I kayaked with penguins, hiked next to seals, and dove into below-freezing waters with whales.  I even salsa danced on my sixth continent (pictured above)!

 

Someone Who Inspires You (and Why!): I can't pick one, so I picked 5. 

1. My mom, Monica: for showing me through example that no obstacle is too big to overcome.

2. My dad, Jeff: for teaching me how to always see the best in people.

3. My older brother, Stephen: for igniting my excitement in learning.

4. My older sister, Ann: for infecting me with enthusiasm, the world's largest influencer. 

5. My younger brother, David: for exemplifying that love and respect are life's most important priorities.   

 

Why You Want to Climb: Climbing Kilimanjaro is sure to be an adventure but what gets me most excited about this trip is the opportunity to make it something more.  This experience will be a way for me to learn about Climate Change (through research and messaging), impact my community (by increasing recycling awareness and action), challenge myself physically (through training and climbing) and give back to a world that has given me so much (through cultural connection, planting trees, and cleaning the trail)! 

 

Social Media to Follow: Stay tuned for the launch of my travel blog "The Packing List" coming fall 2018!