Sustainable Development (SD) sophomore Kate Borkowski recently traveled to Tanzania to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro, a snow-capped volcano that is Africa’s highest mountain. Borkowski commented, “I wanted to climb Kilimanjaro to be a part of something bigger than myself. Kilimanjaro is intense and demands respect; you must go slow as the mountain wishes.” The challenging, week-long journey fulfilled more than a year of saving, planning, and training for the expedition. Borkowski noted that her guided climbing team “became family” during the 40-mile trek.
Borkowski, who has a concentration in Community, Regional, and Global Development, also had the opportunity to witness firsthand some of the issues that she has studied in her SD classes, including community development, diverse cultural perspectives, access to water, and the impact of tourism on the region. Borkowski spent time working with and learning from Bagamoyo community members, observing that “sustainability concepts are key to the community’s flourishing.”
When asked what she learned about herself through this unique experience, Borkowski reflected, “I learned how important it is to just be human, connected with other humans, because above all identities, borders, and races, we are many and we are one, we are all connected through our shared humanity and love for one another.”
Click here to learn more about Borkowski’s journey in Cornelius Today.
Kate Borkowski on the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro
Kate Borkowski on the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro