From Yosemite Sunrises to Summit Dreams: Cheri’s Story
Cheri, one of our 2024 Summit Scholarship recipients, is a passionate adventurer with a deep love for the outdoors. From her early family camping trips to her ambitious dreams of backpacking across continents, Cheri's story is marked by a profound connection to nature and a determination to overcome barriers to outdoor recreation.
From a young age, Cheri's love for the outdoors was nurtured through family camping trips to Lake Chelan and hikes in the Pacific Northwest. The peace and serenity of the natural world captured her heart, and her passion for outdoor adventures has only grown since then.
A pivotal moment in Cheri's outdoor journey came during a challenging backpacking trip in Yosemite. Despite blisters, aching feet, and sleepless nights, a sunrise hike to a high peak reaffirmed her love for nature. As she watched the sun's rays pour over the Yosemite Valley, surrounded by new friends, Cheri's desire to explore the great outdoors was solidified.
Cheri draws inspiration from her mother, who escaped the Pol Pot genocide and built a new life in the United States, raising three children with resilience and compassion. Her mother's journey inspires Cheri to seize opportunities and lead with empathy.
We had the opportunity to get to know Cheri a little better, and she is an absolute inspiration who will make you want to hike up to your closest peak at sunrise. Keep on scrolling to read Cheri’s stories and thoughts below.
Hi Cheri! Can you describe how you felt when you found out you had won? I was ecstatic! I was filled with excitement as I thought about what our trip would be like on Mount Baker, seeing the gorgeous views, exploring the mountains, and making new friends!
What do you do to fill up your days? I love spending time outdoors! Most of my time is spent playing soccer on my competitive team or playing tennis (now that the sun is coming out!). I love the aspect of putting in hard work and growing my skills as an athlete. Not only that, but I love the connections and friendships I make through these activities. When I'm not playing sports, I love walking my dog, Ruffles, and finding new trails to explore. I also love spending time with my family and friends by trying new foods or desserts!
How did you get started in adventuring? From a young age, I was introduced to the outdoors by my family when we would go camping at Lake Chelan or hiking in the PNW. I've always had a love for the trees, animals, and serenity that we'd find while being outdoors. I continue to love adventuring because of all of the amazing sights and environments we encounter. Being outdoors gives me a sense of peace and connection to the world we live in and the people I'm lucky enough to experience it with.
What barriers have you faced in outdoor spaces? In the past, I haven't been able to mountaineer because of its inaccessibility. I haven't been fortunate enough to have the financial means to rent/buy all the equipment needed or book a guide to teach me the skills and safety precautions involved.
Tell us about a time in the outdoors that solidified your love and desire for mountaineering. During the last few days of backpacking in Yosemite, we encountered many struggles, including blisters, aching feet, heavy backpacks, and lack of sleep from mosquitoes pestering us. One morning, we decided to do a sunrise hike to a high peak in the park. We woke up at 3am and hiked 3 miles through the wind and darkness. At the top, we could see the whole of Yosemite Valley and the beauty of the park—including all of the crevices, peaks, and grandness. We soaked in the sun's rays pouring from behind the mountain and the pink skyline surrounding us. My love for the outdoors was once again solidified while absorbing the beauty of nature, all while surrounded by new friendships.
Tell us about a person that inspires you. My mom is someone who really inspires me. My mom grew up amid a war, the Pol Pot genocide. She was able to escape war after being transferred to many different encampments, later immigrating to the United States without speaking any English. By working multiple jobs while raising three children, my mom was able to support my sisters and me in attaining a life she never had--with comfort and access to education. Despite my mother's adversity, she's inspired me to lead with compassion while taking advantage of all of my opportunities, as that is a privilege many don't have.
Tell us about your biggest mountaineering ambition or dream! My biggest mountaineering dream is to backpack around Europe and South America and fully immerse myself in the culture. I'd love to experience the natural sights fully, connect with the locals, and try new foods. I'd love to experience a new country through backpacking because of its reduced footprint and increased authenticity.
What do you hope to learn during your experience as a Summit Scholarship recipient?
I'd love to learn the physical skills required to mountaineer, including preparedness and safety in the wilderness (especially as a woman). Not only that, but I'd love to learn about each other's lived experiences as women and how they've overcome adversity.
Secondly, I'm eager to expand my skills and knowledge. Whether it's mastering navigation techniques or honing my wilderness survival skills, I'm excited to soak up as much information as possible and become a more proficient backpacker
Above all, my priority is to have fun and make lasting memories. The opportunity to explore breathtaking mountains and connect with like-minded individuals is something I cherish deeply. I want to embrace every moment with a spirit of joy and enthusiasm.
Cheri—your window to the mountaineering world is open, and we cannot wait to see what you do once your surrounded by like-minded humans and have the skills, knowledge, and gear to continue to push yourself. We hope that Mount Baker will be another moment, just like the Yosemite Valley, that solidifies your love for the great outdoors. To follow along with Cheri’s journey, head to our expedition partner AWExpedition’s Instagram or Facebook.
