Hoboken Climber Summits Mt. Kilimanjaro With Caldwell Univ. Flag

CALDWELL, NJ — The next time you complain about shoveling your sidewalk during a snowstorm, just put yourself in the shoes of Hoboken resident Jessica Arebalo.

Arebalo, a student at Caldwell University and a local emergency responder, recently spent her winter break at the top of the world, climbing to the top of the iconic, 19,341-foot Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, her alma mater reported Tuesday.

Kilimanjaro is one of the seven highest summits in the world, 9,688 feet shy of the tallest, Mount Everest, Caldwell University stated.

“It is a complete joy to say I have summited Mount Kilimanjaro,” Arebalo said. “It’s the closest I’ll ever be to being on the top of the world.”

Arebalo, a senior majoring in social studies and minoring in criminal justice, put herself through a grueling seven days’ journey to reach the top of Kilimanjaro. But after conquering extreme exhaustion – and pushing herself to the mental and physical breaking point – Arebalo was rewarded with an unparalleled glimpse above the clouds.

Ironically, the frigid quest was Arebalo’s idea of “time off” from her studies, where she grinds out consistent A's, Caldwell University spokespeople said.

As for her summit photo – which shows her proudly displaying a Caldwell University pennant – Arebalo called it “a moment that’s literally frozen in time.”

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Caldwells Facebook page here. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo courtesy of Caldwell University