Transamerica Blog: Newest Expedition
For most students, May is a time filled with studying for finals and getting ready for summer. However, for the five students participating in impossible2Possible’s latest expedition, May will be about overcoming obstacles and pushing yourself to the extreme. impossible2Possible, also known as i2P, is an organization dedicated to educating, inspiring and empowering the global community. Through i2P’s Experiential Learning Programs, expedition members run a marathon a day over multiple days in some of the most extreme locations on earth, learn about their surroundings and share their experiences with classrooms around the world live via satellite.
Preparing for such a huge endeavor could be overwhelming for some of i2P’s ambassadors. However, for Maike, who will be participating in the latest expedition in Greece, this experience is about challenging herself to do things that she never thought were possible.
“Flashing back to a few months ago, I remember reading the application for impossible2Possible. For days I debated on whether I should apply—I doubted myself and wondered if I could gain the resilience to undertake such a challenge. Yet, my passion for education, teaching and athletics fueled the voice in my mind that encouraged me to complete the application for i2P. Despite the challenges associated with the i2P journey, I would do anything to become a Youth Ambassador. Since my acceptance as a Youth Ambassador, this journey has constantly tested my physical and mental strength. Throughout the past few weeks of training, I have battled with dizziness and lightheadedness, ongoing leg camps and physical exhaustion. However, perhaps the greatest challenge is the occasional doubt that I have in myself. At times, I wondered if I was going to be prepared enough for this journey. However, when I was able to overcome the physical ailments and silence my doubtful thoughts, I realized that I am truly capable of reaching beyond my perceived limits. Three months ago, I would laugh if someone told me that I was going to be able to run for two to three hours straight. Yet, months of mental and physical training has allowed me to make this once impossible thought—possible.”