By Henry Yates, VOX Media Cafe
I’m hiking up a trail, wearing a pack that weighs 30 pounds. It’s only been half an hour, and I’m already breathing heavily and sticky with sweat. I’m surrounded by people I’ve never met before, locked in a struggle of willpower as we trudge up against the mountain that stands before us.
This is the first week of my semester at a boarding school in North Carolina. While there, I’ll go on backpacking, paddling and rock-climbing trips, in addition to taking regular classes. It’s a rare opportunity since I’m only a sophomore in high school.
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