Oswego Going Global
SUNY Oswego 2012 Kilimanjaro
Team Reflections
Oswego Going Global
"Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by
demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry,
and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and
understand each other, we may even become friends.”
- Maya Angelou
“Going to Africa and hiking up Mt. Kilimanjaro with my Oswego Going Global family was one
of the most wonderful experiences of my life. The physical and mental challenge was
unparalleled. I will always remember the ethereal views from above the clouds and the full
moon night sky brimming with bright stars. An overwhelming sense of love and humbleness
flowed within me throughout the trip. As an educational experience, this trip ranks as one of
the most important lessons of my life. I cannot truly describe the emotional impact the
schoolchildren of Arusha had on me, not to mention our experiences in the Maasai Village.
We have all been positively impacted by these experiences on ineffable levels. I am confident
that we are all smarter, more aware, more open, and more upstanding global citizens
because of the Oswego Going Global trip to Tanzania. It is an epic adventure that I will never
forget.”-- Anthony Catalano
“Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is the most challenging thing I have done both mentally and
physically. It is also one of the most rewarding things I have done. There is no better place to
connect with others and share experiences than on the world’s tallest free-standing
mountain where everyone pushes their limits. The experience didn’t stop with Kilimanjaro.
Visiting the children’s secondary school was rewarding the moment I saw the smiles and
excitement on those kids’ faces as our van pulled into the school grounds. Visiting the Masai
village was truly an eye opener. It was a whole other world in the Masai village, one that may
appear bizarre yet fascinating at the same time. It was also incredible to see the African
animals in their natural habitats on the Arusha National Park Safari. I definitely have a
broader concept of the world around me.”-- Ariel Power
“Every time I see this photo, I remember all the emotions that I experienced. We were
exhausted, tired, and cold just to say the least. This was the point at which you had to fight
your hardest to keep moving. Your body and your mind fought against each other. We all
experienced this internal conflict of whether to keep going or to turn around. It was at this
point that we all became stronger mentally and physically. I think we as a group came closest
to a family as possible at this moment; at Uhura Peak.”-- Ashley Krakau
“On this trip there were many things that all the members learned from one another
whether it was about each other or about the culture of Tanzania. For me a major part of the
trip was to be able to say I successfully hiked up Mount Kilimanjaro. This trip had moments
that showed all of the different emotions. Being part of this group I was able to express
some of my qualities they may not be seen as openly in a class room setting. Leadership,
stamina, persistence, and a lot of other qualities had to be part of every member to get to
the top; we all showed these qualities at one time or another. There was always a smile on
everyone’s face no matter how tough things were getting. Being on the mountain for about
ten days also gave us a chance to get to know the porters that carried all of our gear.
………they would be there for you no matter what you needed during the trip.” -- Brian West
“This trip was a truly incredible experience. I made a lot of great friends and learned a lot of
new things. I'm really grateful for the opportunity to have done something like this during
college. It was life-altering, and extremely humbling to be able to see, and experience how an
entirely different culture lives. “ -- Fabio Ritmo
“Africa is a continent rich with wonder, mystery, and the kindest hearts in the world. The
climbing team, the staff at our lodge, the children at the school and the members of the
Maasai tribe all welcomed us to their homes, their culture, and their way of life. We may
never get back to this place, but we will go through our lives with a newfound wealth that we
could not have found anywhere else in the world. Although Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest
point in Africa, I think the true summit lies at sea level with it's people.” -- Gary Morris
"Our climb up Kilimanjaro was AMAZING! An adventure of a lifetime. Summit day was
tough. I took 5 steps forward & then I had to rest- truly a humbling, rewarding experience. I
have no regrets and LOVED every second of the trip. When I'm asked the question what was
the favorite part of my trip my response is "the people." My fellow OGG climbers and the
guides, porters and staff from Roof of Africa Adventures were wonderful. I feel like we've
become a family." -- Katie Maxwell
“Together We Go: Climbing Kilimanjaro was so much more than just a trip up a mountain, it
was beyond just a vacation in Africa... it was greater than a singular moment or experience. It
was, in fact, a self-actualizing, cultural recognizing, knowledge expanding, global appreciating
phenomena. I consider myself a life student-- an ever evolving entity that never wants to
stop learning. Much like my past study abroad experiences this opportunity revitalized and
refreshed my desire to perpetually engage and learn every single day in a million different
ways. The team we assembled was more than my mom and I could have dreamt of when we
conceptualized Oswego Going Global. The students, the staff and of course our climbing
leaders personified everything we wanted someone to learn and experience when they study
abroad. Compassion, responsibility, sense of belonging and purpose and of course mental,
emotional and physical strength. Together we went, together we grew and together we
returned better, stronger and more well rounded.”-- Leila Karkia
“Traveling to Tanzania was an epic and beautiful experience. I was immersed in a
culture very different then my own, and this opened my eyes to a completely new
world. I explored this world both physically and mentally and encountered wonderful
people and beautiful nature. This experience has increased my global awareness,
and has helped me to see that all people are connected together in a basic way. It is
my hope to travel back to Africa sometime in the future.”-- Matthew Krikman
"This is from the last day in the mountain where we presented them the money that we have
collected overall as gratitude for their kindness and great help while we were at the
mountain. There were so many emotions and events occurring all at the same time. There
were happiness because we all made it and we finally get to shower. And there were also
some sadness because it is our last time being together and there were some tears; both
tears of sadness and joy. I never thought this trip would have that much impact on me that
would cause me to burst into tears. I tried to hold it back and hide it from everyone else but I
got so emotional that I couldn't help it. I could never meet any other group with such great
passion and dedication. Those porters have truly touched my heart and inspired me to be
content with what I have. They inspired me to enjoy life no matter how tough it is; "Hakuna
matata." [ no worries ]--Mary Grace (Meg) Aguila
“I think this trip helped me understand myself as a person and the direction I want to
continue in my life. Climbing this mountain for me was not so much a “climbing”
achievement as much as it was a personal sense of accomplishment and test of charter and
self worth. I took this opportunity to not only learn about Africa and its culture but to better
understand my own culture. I had no idea what to expect when I signed up for this course, I
do things to challenge myself and step outside my comfort zone. This class proved to do both
and I feel has made me a better person because of the experiences this class offers. You
could never learn the lessons of teamwork, compassion, understanding, and determination
inside a classroom. This class is unique and not for everyone, but somehow we were able to
get a perfect group of people together thanks to the hard work of the individuals who
organized this entire project. This was an amazing experience that I will carry with me
forever.”--Nicholas Hackenfort
“……... This experience was one of the most profound, incredible, and humbling I've had in
my life to this point. The camaraderie, compassion, and just pure fluidity of the group (all 23
of us plus Protus, and crew) has and will always positively blow my mind. I truly felt like I was
part of a giant family, on that mountain, and during our entire two weeks together in
Tanzania. From the time we landed at JRO airport until the bus ride to the airport before our
bitter sweet departure I witnessed positive moment after positive moment ….., I will never
forget the extremely warm welcomes, smiles and human connections that were made during
our visit. …….. indescribable experience. I am so thankful I was able to be a part of it. Thanks
OGG and TROAA” -- Ryan Lemon
“The photo is of me and 2 children from the school we visited. Prior to this photo I gave a
homemade bracelet to the girl standing by the tree and although she was very shy, she was
so happy to receive the bracelet. Her face lit up as I put it on her wrist and it made me realize
how much we, as a western civilization, have compared to other parts of the world, and in
this case Tanzania. To me, the bracelet was just a simple bead and string creation, but to her
it meant so much. Going to the school was such an eye opening experience in every way
possible and has made me want to try and get involved with other organizations that will
help send supplies to schools in need.” -- Stefanie Cornnell
“The trip to Tanzania was such a great experience for me. The time and experiences shared
with my OGG teammates, and with the guides and porters on the mountain will be with me
the rest of my life in memories recounted. It was truly a trip of a life time. I learned so much
about the wonderful culture and people of Tanzania through my conversations with the
guides and porters on Mt. Kilimanjaro, a Maasai spokesperson on our visit to his village, and
the teachers of a rural primary school. I had never traveled outside the U.S. before this trip,
other than Canada, but this trip has opened the door for me to the possibility of additional
travel abroad to experience and learn from other cultures. Go OGG!” -- Steve Baker
“A journey of determination, hardship, friendship, adventure, accomplishment, and indeed
an eye opener! …..We became friends and made many more friends……We learned a lot
about ourselves and about others. What an awe –inspiring experiences!”-- Mehran Nojan