This year started off with lots of fun and promise, as reported in My 2017 Year in Review Part 1. More wonderful adventures were had, but I certainly did not meet all of my goals, especially because my European climbing trip involved a lot more hiking and less climbing than initially planned. In May, I began my 4 months of medial leave from my thesis (details and contemplation found in "What Am I Doing with My Life!?!"), and was able to focus more on my mental and physical he

By Cora Skaien and Nicole Barrette Pre-amble: In late 2016, we decided to apply for the Neil Mackenzie Adventure Grant (NMAG, Link 1, Link 2). We were looking for an angle that could be considered unique and exciting, and that is when we came across the Ladies Scottish Climbing Club. In 1908, the Ladies Scottish Climbing Club (LSCC) was established and its purpose was and is “to bring together women who are committed to mountaineering in Scotland and to encourage an interest

Back Story When I was in fifth grade, I hurt my foot. They x-rayed it, saw no abnormalities and sent me home, telling me to be careful and then continue as normal. I was then on crutches off and on for the next 8 months, and as a fat kid, was essentially told to suck it up. I received the lowest grade in my entire life in gym class that year. It wasn't until 7 years later, when I partially tore 2 ligaments in my same ankle and had x-rays done, that I was asked, "When did you