Shawn Deng, G9, RDF International School During the Qingming Festival holiday, I traveled to Southwest China’s Sichuan Province and conquered my first snow-capped mountain. Standing at 4,880 meters above sea level and located in the picturesque Jiesi Valley, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, this mountain poses a considerable challenge for the climber, yet it has been a rewarding experience. To cope with the unpredictable weather conditions at such an altitude, our small group set out at 2 a.m. Bundled up against the biting cold, we trudged through the darkness, our headlamps piercing the night as we ascended higher and higher. As the first light of dawn broke, we reached the first campsite after a grueling four-hour trek. Here, amidst the stillness of the mountain, we paused to catch our breath and refuel with some quick snacks and glucose-rich drinks. We shared stories and laughter to cheer ourselves up, preparing ourselves mentally and physically for the next leg of our journey. Then we continued our ascent, each step bringing us closer to the summit. The air grew thinner, and the wind intensified, but our determination never wavered. Hours passed, and finally, by mid-morning, we reached the second campsite, just 200 meters shy of our goal. With the summit tantalizingly close, we pushed ourselves to the limit, drawing strength from within to overcome exhaustion. At long last, we stood at the top of the mountain, gazing out at the breathtaking vista below. The sight of the rugged peaks and sweeping valleys stretched out before our eyes, a testament to the raw power and beauty of nature. At that moment, all the hardships and challenges of the journey faded away, replaced by a sense of accomplishment and awe. As I stood atop that snow-capped peak, surrounded by the majestic mountains, I felt gratitude and humility all at once. This journey had tested my limits, both physically and mentally; it had also taught me valuable lessons about resilience, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit. The experience has taught me that incredible things can be achieved when we push ourselves beyond our comfort zones and embrace the unknown. | 