"The Next Mile" by Leany Marrerro

“Come on, Leany, we’re almost there! Just a little farther through the trees, and we’ll be there.” My sneakers were enveloped in dirt and mud. The drops of sweat poured down my back and face as if they were in competition. I was exhausted. My shoulders were far beyond weak from carrying the massive food barrel. I wanted to fling myself on the ground in defeat, letting my cabin mates down. My mind was engaged in an intense debate on whether or not I should just quit. It was then that I was reminded of my doubters. With newfound determination to prove them wrong I took a deep breath, tightened my shoulder straps and proceeded forward. I was no longer worried about the mosquitoes that were feeding off of me, nor was I fazed by the sun’s nonstop attack on my body. I just wanted to prove everyone wrong. “Right, Left, Right, Left.” Those words replayed in my head like a broken record. It seemed like decades, but then I finally stopped. I looked up and was overwhelmed with tears. I dropped my pack along the shore and looked out to the horizon. In that moment all of my doubters vanished. I actually did it. I was triumphant, I was victorious. I finished a ten-mile portage with a fifty-pound pack on my back, and because of that, I am forever strong. As long as I continue to believe in my ability I can do anything that I set my mind to. Next fall, I will begin in a far more difficult journey, but the trials I faced in the woods truly led me to believe that anything is possible. I see the ten miles I had to travel as an equivalent to the four years I will spend in college. Stepping over the many obstacles I will face, avoiding the danger that lurks in the shadows, while at the same time maintaining focus with my muscles being pushed to the limit and motivating myself to finish. Having to manage my time between challenging classes, making friends, sports, and my family is just one of the many obstacles that I expect to successfully overcome. I’m beginning the next chapter of my life. Applying to college is the first mile of my portage. I can’t and will not give up. This wilderness experience has shown me that I am strong, and I can get through any and everything that life will throw at me. I know I am capable of accomplishing this achievement, because I won’t accept anything less.