Kasia: A Journey of Self-Love and Giving Back

Kasia, one of our 2024 Summit Scholarship recipients, is a passionate adventurer eager to connect with a community of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. Kasia's journey began with support from a friend and an overly heavy coat, and it has evolved into a profound commitment not only in the outdoors but also to gender equity and Indigenous representation both on and off the trail. 

As Kasia reflects on that first moment of awe in the outdoors, our own tales and trails come to mind, ripe with trials and tribulations. Kasie shares, 

“I vividly remember feeling a sense of awe and wonder as I immersed myself in the rugged beauty of the mountains. Despite my lack of experience and uncertainty about my gear, I was overwhelmed with happiness simply to be surrounded by nature, far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. That initial hike ignited a spark within me, igniting a passion for the mountains and the sense of freedom they offered.”

Like many, Kasia has faced barriers and roadblocks on this journey, but they have also experienced highlights, such as transformative backpacking trip in trips in the White Mountains and completing the 48 4,000-footers in New Hampshire. Kasia's involvement with the Appalachian Mountain Club's 20s and 30s Committee and the Hiking and Backpacking Committee has reinforced their belief in the transformative power of outdoor adventures and the importance of inclusivity within outdoor communities.

We had the opportunity to get to know Kasia a little better, and they are an absolute inspiration. Keep on scrolling to read Kasia's stories and thoughts below.

Hi Kasia! Can you describe how you felt when you found out you had won? When I first received the news, a rush of excitement surged through me. It was a breathtaking moment that left me exhilarated and profoundly grateful. 

What do you do to fill up your days? I'm a big fan of outdoor adventures like backpacking, hiking, and climbing. When I'm not out exploring nature, I enjoy spending time in the kitchen cooking up delicious meals and making fun treats like cake pops. Yoga helps me stay balanced and relaxed, and biking is a great way to get around and stay active. I'm also passionate about creating inclusive communities through outdoor activities and love discovering new places to hike. Exploring different cities' public transit systems is another hobby of mine – it's a fun way to see what each place has to offer and find out what I like best. 

How did you get started in adventuring? I began adventuring in 2017 through a friend who was a travel nurse. Initially uncertain about how to embrace this lifestyle, I recall my first winter hike, where I wore a heavy coat… only to sweat profusely. Upon moving to Boston years later, I joined the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Boston Chapter, where I underwent transformative experiences. Participating in their Winter Hiking Program, I absorbed invaluable knowledge through volunteer-based courses and leadership training. Fast forward to 2024, I now proudly serve as a 3-season leader for the Hiking and Backpacking Committee and a 4-season co-leader.

In 2022, I spontaneously enrolled in a womxn and non-binary climbing day at a local gym and discovered an inclusive and supportive climbing community. Over the past two years, these individuals have become my closest companions. Together, we explore both indoor and outdoor climbing environments, participating in themed nights such as QUICK nights, womxn and NB nights, and BIPOC nights at our gym. This journey has nurtured my adventurous spirit.

What barriers have you faced in outdoor spaces? As a non-binary Indigenous person and Latina, I face significant barriers in the outdoor space. Firstly, there's a notable opportunity to challenge societal norms by breaking barriers within outdoor adventure. Traditionally, activities like mountaineering have been dominated by cisgender men, making it essential for individuals like myself, who defy conventional gender norms, to carve out space.

Secondly, the financial aspect poses a considerable obstacle. Despite a passion for backpacking, climbing, and exploring new places, the high costs associated with gear and travel are prohibitive. Working in a low-paying government job in Boston amplifies this challenge. For instance, essential gear like backpacking packs, lightweight tents, sleeping bags, and pads come with hefty price tags. Quality gear is crucial for backcountry adventures, but the financial strain makes it difficult to access and maintain these essentials.

Tell us about a time in the outdoors that solidified your love and desire for mountaineering. One pivotal moment that solidified my love and desire for mountaineering occurred during my first hike in the White Mountains. I vividly remember feeling a sense of awe and wonder as I immersed myself in the rugged beauty of the mountains. Despite my lack of experience and uncertainty about my gear, I was overwhelmed with happiness simply to be surrounded by nature, far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. That initial hike ignited a spark within me, igniting a passion for the mountains and the sense of freedom they offered.

As I continued to explore different outdoor destinations, from Colorado to California to Washington, my love for mountaineering only deepened. Each new adventure revealed the majesty of the natural world in all its glory. Whether standing in awe of snow-capped peaks, traversing lush forests, or gazing out over vast expanses of wilderness, I felt a profound connection to the earth and a desire to explore its hidden wonders.

These experiences taught me the power of nature to inspire and transform, shaping my perspective and fueling my desire to push my boundaries as a mountaineer. While I may have started with uncertainty and trepidation, each journey into the mountains reaffirmed my love for the outdoors and my determination to continue exploring its endless possibilities.

Tell us about a person that inspires you. The person who inspires me the most is myself. Every single day, I face the immense challenge of dealing with crippling anxiety. It's not easy – mentally, emotionally, or physically. Whether I'm going about my regular daily tasks or stepping onto a hiking trail or climbing route, my anxieties loom large, threatening to overwhelm me and leave me paralyzed with fear. Despite this constant struggle, I refuse to let it define me or hold me back.

It's terrifying to confront my anxieties head-on, especially when they've led to injuries in the past. In lead climbing, where falling is a natural part of the sport, my anxiety takes over, causing my body to tense up so much that my muscles cramp when I fall. Yet, even in the face of this fear, I continue to push forward every single day.

It's been decades of battling this anxiety, but I refuse to give up. I keep pushing myself, hoping to conquer that fear and reclaim control over my own life. Despite the challenges and setbacks, I find strength in knowing that I have the resilience and determination to keep moving forward, one step at a time. It's a journey filled with uncertainty and fear, but I'm determined to face it head-on and emerge stronger on the other side. And that determination, that relentless drive to push through despite the odds, is what inspires me the most.

Tell us about your biggest mountaineering ambition or dream! My biggest mountaineering ambition or dream centers around conquering the iconic Half Dome. Yet, as much as I'm drawn to its majestic summit, my journey to reach it is fraught with a deeply ingrained fear of heights.

Every time I set out on a climb or hike, I find myself locked in a silent battle against my own anxieties. The fear of falling, of losing my footing on steep terrain, claws at the edges of my mind, threatening to overwhelm me. Despite my best efforts to push through, there are moments when the weight of my anxiety becomes too much to bear, and I find myself frozen in place, paralyzed by fear.

It's in these moments of vulnerability that I'm reminded of the enormity of my mountaineering ambition. The thought of scaling Half Dome, with its heights and vertigo-inducing drops, fills me with a potent mixture of excitement and dread. Yet, even as my fears threaten to hold me back, the allure of the summit beckons me forward, urging me to confront my limitations and push beyond my comfort zone.

So, I continue to push myself, one step at a time, knowing that each ascent brings me closer to realizing my mountaineering dream. While the path ahead may be riddled with obstacles and uncertainties, I'm determined to press on, fueled by the hope of standing triumphantly atop Half Dome and proving to myself that even in the face of fear, anything is possible.

What do you hope to learn during your experience as a Summit Scholarship recipient? 

As a Summit Scholarship recipient, there are several things I hope to learn and experience during my journey. Firstly, I aim to find a sense of community, inclusivity, and connection with other nonbinary queer individuals who share my love for the outdoors. Building relationships and fostering a supportive network within this community would be incredibly meaningful to me.

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.

Kasia - you’re the first recipient to acknowledge that every single day, you’re inspired by the barriers and obstacles that YOU are overcoming. We love this. Recognizing your own strength and abilities and feeling proud of yourself is one of the most important things in the mountaineering world, but more importantly, life. To follow along with Kasia’a journey, visit our expedition partner, The Venture Out Project, on Instagram or Facebook.