Breanna Gonzalez: “Despite the Fear of Heights, Rock Climbing Gives Me a Sense of Liberation Worth Trying”

By Breanna González, Colorado Field Coordinator for HECHO

I moved to Colorado in 2000, a state well-known for its appreciation of the great outdoors. Here is where my journey of self-discovery through the thrilling sport of rock climbing started. I first heard about rock climbing about five years ago thanks to my partner, who is a big fan of the sport. 

Many individuals of Latino descent, including myself, were not exposed to rock climbing during our upbringing. As a Latina, I admit that I was initially a bit nervous about trying it out because it was so new and seemed potentially dangerous. Plus, I knew my parents would freak out and get worried if they found out I was doing it. 

But two years ago, my partner asked me out on a date and surprised me by signing us up for an introduction to rock climbing class at the gym. I remember feeling scared at the beginning of my ascent, and my body shaking. However, I managed to calm myself down by reminding myself that it was only a temporary feeling. Despite being scared as I climbed higher, I really enjoyed it. 

At the time, I was a stressed-out teacher in the midst of the pandemic and struggling both emotionally and physically. It felt very freeing and exciting in that moment of newness, however, to use new emotional and physical muscles that I had never used before! 

I've been climbing for two years now, and I thought it was something that there was no way Latinos widely do because of the lack of representation I saw in the climbing world and media. For that reason, I doubted my ability due to my fear of heights. However, I have learned to appreciate the beauty of my relationship with nature and the elements while also taking pride in my identity while climbing. 

Scaling rocks and facing unpredictable weather conditions has been both thrilling and humbling. Additionally, I have come to value the importance of responsible stewardship of our natural environments. My mental journey has been more significant and transformative than the physical one.

It was the first thing in a long time that made me feel liberated. I felt very instant with rock climbing where it was like, wow, this makes me feel very present for once. It was different. And from there on, for the past two years, I've been able to climb.

Despite my progress, I still struggle with my fear of heights or fear of not being “good enough.” I still have days where I'm shaking and on the verge of tears, but it is all part of feeling liberated and relieving stress. Some days are harder than others, but it's okay because every day I climb is a day I feel so lucky to do so. The fear may never go away, but it's incredible to reflect on my journey and realize that just two years ago, I never imagined scaling rocks and reaching new heights. 

Despite the fear it ignites in me, rock climbing gives me a sense of liberation that is worth doing.