Goals

Mackenzie Penrose

            Achievements and goals are milestones in people’s lives. To be honest, they are bragging rights as well. People cannot realistically say that they do not want to achieve their outlandish dreams or boast about their goals.  A goal can be anything from getting an “A” on a test to skiing down a double black diamond.  They seem so unattainable when they are first set.  But, being able to overcome what you worked so long and hard for is an indescribable feeling. 

            My biggest ambition two summers ago was to bike 450 miles at camp in 9 days, and I completed the challenge. Every pedal was a struggle for me and I thought about quitting more times than I can fathom.  Yet, this trip was something I had been dreaming of for six years, and I could not get this close and not complete what I had been waiting for so long to do.  I had always looked up to the “big kids” at camp, who came back from their trips with bike grease all over them and hundreds of “battle wounds.”  I could not help but think this will one day be me. 

            When I first started the trek with my cabin it seemed impossible, but each day the biking got a little less tiresome.  Although, the biking was done in Maine, and that is not a flat state by any means. It was extremely hilly and some hills went on for miles.  There were many tantrums thrown and threatening to just quit was a common phrase uttered.  With the support of my friends and my determination, I just took it one steep elevation at a time; which made it feel much more attainable. On the last day, when we came to the edge of camp and I saw the 2.5mile sign I could not help, but to cry tears of joy and squeal in disbelief.  This was something I had always wanted, but never thought I could actually achieve it. In doing so, I knew the only thing ever holding me back, was me.