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People: Scaling New Heights

Story and photo by Daniel Pemberton
Story and photo by Daniel Pemberton

When she begins her shift at the rock wall in the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center, Grace Granger takes no time in gearing up her harness and preparing to climb. The Groves sophomore has been climbing for two semesters, with more than 134 climbs. “After my first climb I found myself coming back day after day and couldn’t stay away,” she says. “After my first week I had 10 climbs, so I put my name on the mile-high club chart and came in every day that semester.” After spending so much time on the wall, Grace thought it was only natural to begin working there. “My interest came from working at church camp where we had a rock wall and challenge course, and I loved working that — I love being in the air,” she says. “But I think I really keep coming back because of the challenge.” The mathematics major says she was never much of an outdoors person, it was only in college that she began to develop her outgoing mindset. “I have met so many new people and have tried so many new things since I have been here, all of it much more interesting than just staying in and watching TV,” she says. “If we are not careful — the weeks, months, and years can blend together. You look back and your entire life has passed you by. You have to make the most of every day.”

Category: UPbeat