Alison Levine

   As Padua students, we all know what is it like to feel like we’re climbing mountains. Whether it’s taking the stairs to the fourth floor, or taking a hard chemistry test, we all have obstacles in our way. Although our mountains may be metaphorical, Alison Levine’s were not.

   On Friday April 15th, Alison Levine came to Padua Academy. Alison was our 2015-2016 Women’s Achievement speaker. Alison, the leader of the very first all-women’s team to climb Mount Everest, told Padua the story of her own climb through life and on the mountain. Levine, an impressive woman, told us how she had reached the highest peak in every continent. Her achievements really touched the Padua community. Junior Gillian Isabelle said, “I wasn’t expecting her to be so amazing. She is truly inspirational. Her story of climbing Everest was so cool and I can relate it to my everyday life.” Although Alison climbed Mount Everest, her struggles to achieve her goal are relevant to our everyday life. Junior Lauren Schmucker said, “I thought her point on focusing on a little accomplishment to get you through a big obstacle was extremely helpful. Now, whenever I know I have a big assignment due, I divide it into little parts!” Levine told us about the time-consuming months of dedication it took for her to train to climb the mountain and the determination it took for her to make it up to the mountain. She also told Padua about what it was like to get so close to her goal, and turn back around. Alison’s dedication and hard work can serve as a lesson to not only mountain-climbers, but the entire Padua Community.