STORIES OF IMPACT | Marjana T.
Rock Climbing Changes One Young Woman’s Life
December 10, 2020
Three years ago, Marjana T. was a New York City high school student who spent most of her time studying and never participated in sports-oriented extracurricular activities. Today, Marjana is an advanced and committed lead rock climber who plays an influential leadership role in the outdoors club at Lafayette College. And it’s all thanks to Young Women Who Crush, an rock climbing, mentorship, and leadership program that empowers young women and gender expansive youth through outdoor adventures that build community, cultivate confidence, nurture leadership skills, and foster a deep respect for the natural world.
What drew Marjana to Young Women Who Crush? Beyond rock climbing sounding fun, Marjana was attracted to the program’s mentorship aspect. “They said we’d have mentors,” recalls Marjana. “In high school, I had good relationships with my teachers and always got good advice from them. Having someone I can talk to would be a privilege and a resource. That drove me to join.”
Indeed, mentorship and strong connections are among the building blocks of the tight knit Young Women Who Crush community. Marjana cites the debrief sessions held after the indoor climbing sessions when mentees (students) and mentors gathered to discuss what they learned and the obstacles they faced. “When we all came together, shared, and had that moment of vulnerability, it was so powerful. You feel so comfortable sharing these things with your peers and mentors because no one is going to judge you. You can get their advice and learn how to do it better.”
“The best part about Young Women Who Crush is the community, especially the mentors and mentees. They have been the greatest treasure.”
For Marjana, climbing is not merely an enjoyable outdoor activity; it’s a major part of her life. Marjana realized this on a trip she took her second year with Young Women Who Crush. She was trying to execute one move for 45 minutes but her efforts were in vain. Ultimately, Marjana had to come down disappointed and in tears. She couldn’t understand why she was crying. After all, wasn’t this just climbing? It was then that Marjana understood how much climbing meant to her. She was upset for failing, but proud of her effort. At that moment, Marjana realized, “Climbing isn’t just a hobby, it’s part of me, my identity, and my passion.”
Young Women Who Crush has enabled Marjana to accomplish so much she never dreamed possible. “It all connects back to the idea of empowerment and realizing that you are capable of achieving a lot of the things you never thought you could do.”
Marjana is a very strong climber both mentally and physically. “I appear to be weak and fragile because I’m petite. But actually, I’m not. I’m strong. My family and friends realize how much power and courage it takes to step on those rocks and get up on the wall.”
As Marjana has become a more advanced climber, she has involved herself in different aspects of the climbing world. “I’m an advocate for diversity, equality, and inclusion in the climbing space,” she explains. Specifically, Marjana is engaged in creating a more diverse and inclusive rock climbing community at Lafayette College where young women of color will feel welcome and empowered to climb and compete.
In just three short years, Marjana has come so far with Young Women Who Crush. Her community fuels her passion for climbing and provides her with a great source of comfort. “The best part about Young Women Who Crush is the community, especially the mentors and mentees. They have been the greatest treasure.”