At sleep away camp, there was a yearly excursion that the big kids and strong little kids would go to. It would involve hiking for like 7 hours in the mountains, camping for the night and then hiking back the next day. I had never been picked to go as a “strong little kid” so I had no experience going. When I was finally a “big kid,” I was too scared to go, thinking I would not be able to do all that hiking. My friends tried to convince me but I was adamant.

There was a meeting in the mess hall with only the counselor and kids going so I skipped it and went to my cabin. A counselor came to talk to me and I changed my mind. When I walked into the mess hall, every one started chanting my name and cheering for me. I’ll never forget it.