When coming to Mizzou I found myself doing everything I should. I. Was involved, I had decided my major, I joined a sorority, I was in a FIG. I thought I was going to rock this college thing! Until two years later nearly finish with my sophomore year and I found myself lost, unhappy, and essentially friendless. Until one Friday at 4:00, a friend brought me to the climbing wall at the rec center. I remember being so utterly elated I made it to the top on my first day I approached everyone in sight to snatch a high five. I knew I had found something I loved. Little did I know how drastically it would change my life. Not only did it give me a sense of passion that helped drive positive forces in my life, I had found a family. Through the climbing community I fell in love with so many people who in return founded friendships whom most people find intermittently throughout their lives. I was lucky enough to have numerous! Yes I have physically and mentally grown tremendously due to climbing. However the rock wall at the rec center specifically was my place to go when I was having a rough time or when I was on top of the world! This is where I found my family, stability, inspiration, love, guidance, and a foundation so rock solid (pun intended) I could do anything. Without the climbing wall I wouldnt be nearly as great as I am today. Its difficult to understand the significance of the wall as an outsider. To us, it is our church; the one place we could go on campus where we knew wed find other Chaco-loving, bicycle riding, adventure inspired enthusiasts. This is our home. To take it down would to destroy a community. To take it down would be a seriously defeating blow to the concept of inclusiveness that I trusted existed at Mizzou. Climbing is more than just a workout and serves a more well rounded purpose than any number of weight machines. Please dont take it down!
Posted on: Fri, 29 Aug 2014 16:36:39 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015