A local University of Pittsburgh at Bradford student made it to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro on July 10.
Shantel English, a senior at Pitt-Bradford, is on a study abroad program through the university, and left for Tanzania, Africa on June 3.
English is a petroleum technology major, and is now finishing her major in environmental science with a minor in geology.
Mount Kilimanjaro is located on the northern border of Tanzania, and is the highest mountain in Africa. The mountain is 200 miles south of the Equator, overlooking Kenya.
Standing at 19,340 feet, it is believed that in the Tanzanian language, according to climbmountkilimanjaro.com, the name translates to,”That which is impossible for the bird.”
Although this has not been proved, it would speak to the enormity of the mountain.
English began her ascent on the morning of July 6 at Macheme gate, which is at an altitude of 5,300 feet, and finished on the summit of the mountain at 6:45 a.m. on July 10.
English finished first out of everyone on the climb, and even journeyed with a woman from Australia and two men from Germany. For finishing first, she was also on the African news.
“I was too cold to stop,” said English on finishing the climb first.
Although she made it through with having had one bloody nose, there were many stops due to acclimation sickness.
There were individuals throwing up blood and crying, and even the porters were running up and down, one even having broken ribs. Porters are those who carry objects and cargoes for others.
“It was the most mentally, spiritually, and physically challenging thing in my life,” stated English. Her mom, Crystal Hushon, was more than happy and proud to talk about her daughter’s journey up the mountain stating, “I am beyond proud.”
This was English’s first major climb, only having previously done rock climbing throughout the area.
Hushon believes that this is a unique opportunity, and that her daughter being local draws people in and gets them excited. The community came together to help English with trip expenses, as well as her receiving scholarships through Pitt.
“If it’s an adventure she’s on it,” stated Hushon. “Now, I’m just wondering what’s next.”
There are three volcanic cones located on the mountain; Kibo standing at 19,340 feet, Mawenzi standing at 16,896 feet and Shira standing at 13,000 feet.
Mawenzi and Shira are extinct, however Kibo, the highest peak, is dormant and could erupt at any time.
The last major eruption was around 360,000 years ago, while the last activity was only 200 years ago.
Kilimanjaro began forming about a million years ago when lava spilled from the rift valley zone, and was built by successive lava flows, according to thoughtco.com.
The mountain lies within the 756 square kilometer Kilimanjaro National park, which is one of the only parks to encompass every ecological life zone.
These zones include everything from tropical jungle to the desert.
Kilimanjaro was first climbed in October of 1889 by German geologist, Hans Meyer.
“I looked up to the sky and saw two shooting stars on my way up to the summit,” said English.
“It is the best decision I’ve ever made.”
When she returns to Bradford, she will be sharing her experiences with local residents. On July 22 at noon, English will be at The Edge on South Avenue.
She will be sharing her experience, photos and relics.
