understand why all parking lots were full and why this place was so
popular. I told my husband: “let’s follow people to figure it out.”
Without proper clothes and shoes, we hiked up 4,000 feet. After four
miles of steep switchbacks, we were at the top of Mt. Si. The view from
the top was so stunning that we stayed speechless for a while and at that
very moment, I knew that I had found my passion.
After I had my twin boys, I needed to decide about my career. At
that time, it was very clear to me that I wanted to take care of my babies.
Being a full-time mom was not only the most challenging but also the
most enjoyable job I have ever done. Living in a different culture, being
isolated from social life, and lacking connection with my school friends
and colleagues made me homesick for a while. One day, I decided to
take the kids to Rattle Snake Ledge when they were two years old. We
hiked up two miles carrying the kids in our back carriers. We were very
tired at the end, but we forgot all about it when we saw the view at the
top. It was amazing and very peaceful. As we were stood on the top of
the ledge, I realized that I hadn’t felt so happy and alive since I had had
the kids.
Ultimately, today hiking is part of my life. I feel happy, fulfilled,
and connected as I chase my dreams up the mountains. My journey to
Machu Picchu made me a better hiker; more skilled and experienced
hiker than I’d been previously and helped me to be aware of my
strengths and my weaknesses to achieve my future goals. Moreover,