It didn’t take long before the sound of heavy breathing overtook the early chatter and laughs. Two weeks after the new exchange in students arrived at United International College, the International Student Club (ISC), along with the help of Ms. Liu Juan, a Lecturer in the Whole Person Education Department, decided to take on the beautiful mountain range that over-looks UIC’s campus.

With fresh legs, and open minds, the group set off mid-morning, just around the time that the hot afternoon sun would take position and send droplets of sweat down the ambitious students faces. Early on in the hike, although morals were high, the far-fetched thought of rest stops were all that kept the group trekking onward. Each break was a chance to crack open a water bottle, catch a breath, and anticipate the next stretch of terrain.

After the first couple hours of hiking, each stop brought an even more beautiful view, and of course, a better place than the last to stop and pose for a majestically crafted photo. The group collectively took these moments to share experience with their new friends and classmates, while also taking in the new environment.

 After reaching the peak of 南山 “South Mountain”, the students unpacked their snacks and in typical Chinese fashion shared what at the time felt like the best tasting feast yet, which in hindsight was mostly supermarket snacks consisting of fruit, dried seaweed, and cocoa pies.

In reflection, after an activity like this one, being that the best and only way to pass time is through conversation, ISC was able to strengthen friendships through challenge and perseverance, while also learning more about perspectives from one another.

If there is a next climb, I think everyone can agree that more water is worth the pack weight, and a good night sleep is crucial. “Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing.”