Will Shapiro Assignment 8

Fears: Spiders, being alone

Annoyances: my crap fantasy football team, my dog that pees on the floor while staring me in the eye even though I have told her no 1,000,000 times and even put a shock collar on her to stop this behavior. Acne.

Accomplishments: the academy, grades, and hiking Mt, Whitney.

Confusions: AP Physics.

Sorrows: MY AP Physics grade.

Dreams: Live in NY again, travel the world

Idiosyncrasies. computer builder, indie rock fan, hiker/rock climber.

Risks: leave KY for college (want) rafted the Selway (did).

Beloved Possessions, Now and Then: My computers/ friends (Now) Old friends (Then)

Problems: No job. No money because of prior issue. Don't do enough hiking/climbing.

Alllllllrighty then. I'm gonna go ahead and talk about my love for the outdoors. Even though it may span a couple topics (Accomplishments, Dreams, and Problems) we are just gonna have to deal with it. My love for the outdoors probably started when I went to a sleep away camp when I was around 10. It was just a month in New Hampshire with the strict rule of no electronics (except a camera). While that rule may have seemed harsh at first, and would probably make many people in my grade cringe at the thought of giving up their devices for a whole month, I took it as an opportunity to explore new things. It was  during this time that I discovered my love for the wilderness, specifically hiking and rock climbing. Because the camp lasted for a month, they allowed long trips off campus to nearby mountains or rock climbing sights. The one that stuck with me the most would have to be a week-long trip that I went on that involved long hikes up to the near tops of small mountains, and then climbing up the rest. Now as a ten year old I was probably pretty trash at climbing, but I loved it despite its difficulty. The instructors became sort of role models for me. They inspired me to go out on my own outside of camp and become invested in the outdoors. Even though I can no longer go to the camp due to timing issues between the end of camp and the start of school, My father and I like to take one trip a year to do something fun as well as getting out to the gorge whenever I can.  Over the last couple years I have hiked/climbed Mt. Whitney (tallest mountain in the contiguous United States), and rafted the Selway (50 miles of white water rafting in the middle of a national park). These trips are easily the highlight of every year and weigh more heavily in my mind than Christmas (which is also my birthday). In the years to come I only hope that I can continue to satiate my want for the wilderness as I choose where to go to college and eventually, what I end up wanting to do with my life.