Lucy is a three-time Putney alum, most recently joining our Exploration Kilimanjaro program in Tanzania. (She also happens to be a wonderful watercolorist.) In this student testimonial, Lucy describes her experience on Putney’s Kilimanjaro program—from the initial dream to her supportive group to the summit day itself.
From the moment I learned about Mount Kilimanjaro in my kindergarten class, it was my dream to summit the snowcapped mountain when I turned sixteen. While the idea of fulfilling this goal was exciting, I was intimidated by the various challenges that could arise, and I did not know where to start. After going on two prior programs with Putney and seeing how supportive and caring the community was, I knew the Kilimanjaro expedition would be a perfect opportunity to challenge myself and finally accomplish this lifelong goal.
To no surprise, I was shown so much kindness and enthusiasm by the group leaders and other students as soon as I arrived at the airport, and that positive energy never faded. Though I initially envisioned that summit day would be the most rewarding part of the trip, the journey there proved to be equally as fulfilling, thanks to all of the amazing people in my group. I quickly began to look forward to moments like our afternoon tea time each day, where we played card games, warmed up with tea and cocoa, and filled the tent with laughter, telling each other jokes and stories. While the climb presented challenges, ranging from adjusting to the high altitude to feeling homesick, we always had each other’s backs. If any of us fell down, there was always a friend to offer a hand, and if someone was hungry, no one hesitated to share an extra snack. I was met with such generosity and consideration from people who had been strangers to me just days before. We quickly bonded over our shared goal to reach the summit and to have a blast doing it.
When summit day arrived, many of us were nervous to embark on the six-hour journey to Uhuru Peak, but we were reassured by our leaders and guides that they would be there to support us every step of the way. Anytime I started to doubt myself, I would recall the lyrics to the song our guides would sing with us, especially the words “Utafika Salama, Hakuna Matata”, which roughly translate to “you will get there safely, no worries.” I carried these words with me as we successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro, and I will forever remember it as one of the best days of my life. I am so glad that I decided to push myself out of my comfort zone, and I am endlessly grateful for all of the people who did it with me.
