Growing up, I was always reminded by the saying "Once a task has once begun never leave it till it’s done, be the labour great or small do it well or not at all." I’ve grown to live by this mantra and allow it to influence my daily life decisions.

Recently, I decided to attend a seven mile hike in Wales. While this was an uncomfortable decision, I came to the conclusion that I would rather go suffer from body aches than lie in my bed munching on crisps, depending on the anecdotes of my peers.

I trudged up the ninety degree angle quickly falling to the back of the group, but I found my own pace more secure and enjoyable. As I trudged, I saw the beautiful dips and trenches buried into the ground. As I hiked further the air became thinner, making it more difficult to breathe. I constantly stopped to take in the scenery around me, smelling the dewy air and looking at the soft green grass that spread for miles over the tops of rocky peaks. It was a serene experience that allowed me to clear my head and participate in something I normally would not entertain.

Once at the top, there was no scenic view due to heavy fog. However, there was a sense of self fulfillment. I had completed what I had started and persevered through the throbbing calves, burning muscles, dry throat and thin air. The mountain was a symbol of me. As I stood there I thought about being in Wales, on top of a mountain, with friends that were just unknown faces a few weeks prior. I had done it, not just climbed a mountain, but made it where many people had told me I wouldn’t.

The mountain reassured me to keep living my life and defying the constructs placed upon me just do it, not because you have to, but because you can.