Written Testimony By *James Ellis:

I have been climbing for about nine years and it has always been a huge part of my life. When I came to college it was important for me to have access to a climbing facility so I could continue to pursue my greatest passion. Although WSU’s climbing wall isn’t big or nice compared to other schools, it is enough for me. My first year here some of the first friends I made I met at the climbing wall, and even though that was a few years ago I’d say most of my good friends now I met at the climbing wall or through other people that I met at the climbing wall. Without the climbing wall I would not have found the people who have made my college experience so valuable.

Not only has the climbing wall given me the opportunity to continue pursuing climbing in my own life, it has also given me the opportunity to share my experience with others. I have been able to watch new climbers grow and learn new skills, which has in turn helped me further develop my own skills as a teacher. Now I have a solid group of friends to climb with that all push each other to climb hard. Through climbing I was introduced to the outdoor community at WSU, and I am constantly meeting new climbers, skiers, kayakers, travelers, and adventurers to connect with.

*Names and pictures used with permission