Visiting MCDOE Nursery is the most powerful memory I take away from the trip, as it completely shattered my previous outlook on life by transforming the way I view the priveleges I have, and how previoulsuy I had so easily taken them for granted. just seeing the infectious happiness the locals and children showed, regardless of the daily struggles they face, was inspiring to me and has since changed my attitiude towards life.
Climbing Kilimanjaro was also a lifechanging experience, and I would say the most physcially challenging yet rewarding thing i have in my life. Javing to reach far beyond my physical limits on summit night (the final push to the top) despirte severe altitute sickness show me the immense value o fdiscomfort as it relates to personal growth. I have applied this lesson here in Durham by trying uncomfortable, somtimes daunting, activities that I know will force personal growth as improv comefy and Toastmasters public speaking. Furthermore, pushing through what felt like an impossible, insurmountable ordeal on summit night has become a source of strength for me. In times of adversity and difficulty, in whatever facet of my life, I tell myself that if I could get through that most challenging of nights, I can get through this as well.