Tell us about someone who inspires you. The person who inspires me is my maternal grandmother. abuelita. She endured many trials and tribulations in her life. She was born in Colombia and has truly put in her blood, sweat, and tears to provide better opportunities for my mother in the United States. She had to remain in Latin America as my mother emigrated, but later joined her when she had saved enough money to emigrate on her own. That woman was tough as nails and taught me not to do anything halfway. She really taught me how to be as a person. We didn’t always see eye to eye, but I knew I could lean on her and look to her for inspiration when I needed it. She was my first best friend. Even though she’s gone now, I still feel her presence every now and then, reminding me that she’s still there for me and watching over me. In later years, she was unable to walk without mobility aids and eventually lost most of her desire to dance. So even if I don’t dance for myself, I make sure to dance for her and the people who can no longer dance.

Please tell us about your biggest mountaineering ambition or dream. Frankly, my biggest mountaineering ambitions change daily. Some days, all you can think about is your first ascent. Other days are all about deep water soloing in Mallorca, Spain. After watching Jason Momoa’s show “The Climb”, I dreamed of Mallorca for a long time day and night. Other days, I’m climbing the Andes Mountains, my father’s homeland. To climb a place where generations of my ancestors thrived and fostered a connection to Pachamama… To say it was an honor would be an understatement.

What do you hope to learn from your experience as a Summit Scholarship recipient? I’m used to the impostor phenomenon and sometimes I forget that I’m not doing all this for fun, not to become the perfect climber or hiker or anything. , I want to learn how to overcome my inner critic. I want to learn from the members of the group, learn how to better connect with people who are essentially strangers in a short period of time, and become a better hiker. It will definitely test my introversion, but I’m sure we all share similar passions and values, so I believe it will be a great time.

I would also like to network with these people, climb in different regions around the world, and learn about different organizations that offer opportunities like this.

Tash – Your mountain climbing adventure continues. We are excited to have you as the first recipient of the Venture Out Project’s Queer Backpacking Adventure. Over the course of four days, Tash learns the basic skills of packing, reading a map, setting up camp, and cooking in the backcountry, spending plenty of time building community, and of course sleeping under the stars.

To follow Tash’s journey, visit our expedition partner, The Venture Out Project. Instagram or facebook.