Submitted by Shannon McAlister on the 2019 winter session study abroad program in Hawaii sponsored by the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences and the School of Education…
Sadly, the first week in the beautiful state of Hawaii has come to a close, and all I can think about are the incredible places I have seen in the last week. One site in particular was the top of Diamond Head Trail in Honolulu, Hawaii. Many of my classmates and I decided we were going to take on this strenuous hike because it is such a staple landmark in the island of Oahu’s history.
As we were beginning the hike, nerves started to rush over me, giving me butterflies in my stomach. I have not always been the most fit and athletic person, and sometimes my doubts get the best of me. Climbing these trails and stairs were extremely difficult for me, especially because I kept comparing my athleticism to my peers around me. One part in particular had a never-ending flight of stairs that seemed almost vertical. Right away, I was intimidated by the fact that the stairs were so steep and that many of my peers had already climbed them to get to the beautiful summit.
I prepared myself for the climb and did not look at anything except my own feet moving simultaneously to get me to the top. With only ten more steps remaining, a stranger at the top encouraged me to keep climbing. Although my legs felt like Jell-O, I knew since I had gotten this far, I could not stop now. As I reached the summit, I was in awe at the breathtaking view in front of me. Not only was the view worth it, but the gratification I felt because I accomplished this hike was a feeling that I will remember forever.