It’s Mid-Winter break in NYC and PowerPlay staff seized the opportunity on Tuesday, to gather up our coaches and some of our Summer Leadership Academy alumni to rev up our adventurous spirit by going rock climbing at Brooklyn Boulder.
Girl after girl, we lined up, strapped on our harnesses and made for the climb. We were all filled with excitement and fear all at the same time. Most of us climbed halfway before throwing in the towel until our SSLA alum, Eshana France sprung up from the bench where she was sitting and said, “I’m going to ring that bell!” referring to the bell at the top of the climb.
The rest of us looked in shock and excited at the same time. Fearlessly, Eshana began her climb. From one rock to the next, till she made it to the top of the 40ft wall and rang the bell! From down below, we cheered her on all the way to the top.
Moments like this reminds me why I enjoy being a coach. Unbeknown, to Eshana, her comment and will to complete the climb taught me a lesson. Within a split second, my perspective on rock climbing changed from fear of falling to re-imagining the situation not as a challenge but as an experience intended to test my will and determination all while having FUN. By the end of the day, fear turned into fun, and myself and most of the girls climbed a 40 ft wall to completion!
By Sally Nnamani
Lead Coach, PowerPlayNYC