Alexis Wilkinson – VP

I parked my car, stepped out and walked to the beginning of what would be one of my favorite adventures I have ever encountered. I was standing in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in the Great Smoky Mountains with the head of a two-mile trail in front of me. A trip to the mountains would not be complete without a pleasant hike through the scenery. I was excited to take on this new adventure to the top of a mountain with a beautiful waterfall. Of course, two miles doesn’t sound like a lot, until you start the trek upward going over wet, rocky terrain with steep inclines on the side that would make you quiver just looking down. I was absolutely exhausted and had no idea how much further laid between me and my destination.

As time went on, with each step I took, I started to regret my decision to take on such a long hike. However, I couldn’t turn back now. If I turned back, I would forever wonder what it was like to be at the top of that mountain at that waterfall.

After what felt like hours, I finally pushed myself to reach the top. I could look out and see for what seemed like miles and miles of mountains and trees. The waterfall flowed down the side of the mountain and crashed at the bottom. It was like nothing I had ever seen before. It was in that moment, I realized that the long hike was worth it…and that I needed to hit the gym before my next hike!

Sometimes in life, it might seem like you just keep hiking, not knowing when you’ll reach your destination, whatever that may be. You might want to just give up but giving up means turning around and walking right back down that mountain, losing all of the progress you have made. Life gets tough at times, but you have to just remind yourself why you started. Think about your end destination. One of my college professors always says, “Start with the end in mind.” On your journey, when times get tough, think about where you are going and how great it is going to be when you get there. As soon as you get there, all of the hard work you put in will pay off. Just keep pushing yourself, and hike that mountain!