My Rock Climbing Journey by Boaz

My Rock Climbing Journey by Boaz - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

Rock climbing has always been a passion of mine. I like climbing not just because I goofily scrambled up trees as a kid, but because it represents something deeper than any ordinary sport. Climbing is not just a task of physical strength or a memorization of plays and strategies; it is a test of common sense and an inquiry into who you really are as a person. Every route is a unique challenge, every movement a deliberate choice - and when you reach the top, there are countless ways to do it again. Everyone has their own beta (way of completing a climb) and they all execute it differently. Climbing speaks to me because I have to pick the correct holds and conquer obstacles on my own, even after failure. In bouldering (climbing without ropes or harness), difficulty ranges from V0 to V19, with each level twice as hard as the last. My proudest moment was when I did a V9, an unforgettable milestone. The route had yellow holds - they were small, but not difficult to grab onto. The hardest move, terminologically labeled the “crux,” required pushing my entire body up with one arm over a single hold. I returned to the climb day after day, reaching the point where I could probably tell you how many grains of chalk coated each hold. One day, with my mom and some other friends nearby, I just went on the climb and did it. Not many people were watching; there was no applause, nor were there trumpets blaring in celebration, but in my mind there may as well have been. That moment taught me that some of our greatest accomplishments are only evidenced by us. Success isn’t about recognition; it’s about giving everything to overcome a challenge on your own. Climbing has shaped my creativity, patience, and resilience, and has made me view every challenge as if it was just another route waiting to be solved.