Jane '25 beautifully captures the Winter Mountain Classroom experience through the lens of rock climbing – where end-of-term research projects at Lake Mead represented the moment when "the top of the climbing route was in sight," and each phase of their term formed part of an extended ascent from initial safety checks to the final push toward the summit. Students literally tested their climbing skills on Joshua Tree's granite formations as they prepared for their final student-led expedition with the confidence of climbers who have mastered technique and trust in their climbing partners. Read more below!
Jane '25 - Final Project Week & Joshua Tree Rock Climbing
As our term is closing out, the adventures seem to never end. Our nomadic party of twelve traveled five minutes outside of the Hoover Dam, overlooking the shores of Lake Mead, the largest man-made lake in the United States, to accomplish our research-intensive final projects. Each of us truly shined through with topics ranging from as broad as homelessness in the United States to discussing a small mining town in Oklahoma. Following our hard work, the wind carried us to Joshua Tree for daring climbs and special moments together.
In Joshua Tree National Park, we acquired all new climbing skills and terminology, which I apply to each and every leg of Mountain Classroom. Right now is the final push of the climb of Mountain, where you have all the tools you need to succeed, and all you have to do is check your footing one last time and push off.
Our whole term of adventures has transformed into a climb. Our winter December excursion I compare to checking the ropes system and making sure your knots are correct, while checking in with your belayer. Pushing off the ground and getting your foothold was our first river trip. Ascending the wall with a rhythm shortly following mimicked our days in New Mexico. Solos were the moment we realized how high up and isolated we were from the people on the ground and our families. While you may be nervous, you know the ropes are tight, and if you fall, open arms will catch you. Superstition Wilderness backpacking resembled a long crack in the granite you follow because it will lead you to where your next foothold is. Navajo Nation mirrors the kindness and community of the people who care and love - our climbing counterparts, who, as students, we were constantly learning from.
Moving into finals week, the top of the climbing route was in sight. We all knew what to do, and our footing was secure; we just needed to take a moment of stillness to problem solve and follow our group's universal word to accomplish a task: rally. Our mornings were sunny and slow, allowing us moments of stillness and coffee before the gears in our minds started turning. Before breakfast, Ted and I would run, knowing it would benefit our working minds, and to combat getting antsy in the afternoon. Every inch of picnic tables was covered in research, watercolors, and stacks of books. By the end of the final project days, we had grabbed a good handhold and hoisted ourselves closer to that shiny carabiner at the top of the climb.
Driving to Joshua Tree, CA, our eyes were glued to the window glass. Listening to every song about California (thank you, Cali local, Ted), the snow-capped mountains dividing us from LA glistened in the distance. Pulling into our campsite, it looked as though we had landed on Mars. Boulders upon boulders towered above us. The next day, we climbed them! Shouts of delight echoed around the granite as each one of us ascended the challenging routes, accomplishing feats we never thought we could do. Shoutout to our amazing guides, Nate, Katy, and Nat, for educating us on the wonders of the climbing world. Nate even guided our fearless leader Emi's Joshua Tree rock climbing trip when they were a student! Now, as we leave the park, with sore fingertips, tanned skin, and a newfound love for ascending walls, that shiny carabiner of Mountian is closer in sight than ever.
Our final push - a student-led expedition - will reflect every moment before, as we apply every lesson of Mountain, whether it's mimicking trusting your life with someone, a rope, and a harness or simply reminiscing in the moments of serenity and peace found when we are just ourselves, with each other.
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