There’s a strange mix of excitement and dread that hits the moment you decide to try something new, like joining a gym or picking up a hobby. You picture the “after” version of yourself: more confident, more skilled, more in shape. But then reality kicks in. You walk into that gym or class for the first time, convinced everyone’s watching — and silently judging. You feel awkward, out of place, and maybe even embarrassed — like you’ve walked into an elite club without knowing the rules. But then I found summit: a safe space to be myself.
Anxiety and self-doubt tend to show up uninvited whenever we step outside our comfort zones. But from experience, I can tell you that discomfort might just be the beginning of something meaningful.
I spent over a decade as a dedicated nanny. I loved it — the connection, the care, the purpose. But as my twenties slipped by, I began to feel a deeper longing: to find a career that truly lit me up. Something I could talk about with pride. Something that reflected who I was and what I loved.
Welcome Summit: a safe space for all
I started asking myself what made me feel most alive: the outdoors, fly fishing, snowboarding, hiking, camping, healthy eating (I could talk your ear off about gut health), but what kind of job would even come close to encompassing all that? Was I being unrealistic to think I could find something that enriched those parts of my life?
At one time, I would’ve said yes — until a job posting from Summit showed up in my inbox.
“Social, active, lover of the outdoors…” As I read through the description, something clicked. I had to apply. Up to that point, I had only climbed a handful of times. I loved it from the very first trip to Devil’s Lake, but I never made it part of my routine. This job felt like the perfect opportunity to nurture that interest — and maybe discover even more.
Summit: A safe space to be yourself
When I first met the Summit crew, it all made sense. They were genuinely stoked about my hobbies and just as excited to help support my growth in climbing and fitness.
Still, I felt intimidated at first — I mean, have you seen Coach Patrick climb? But somewhere between watching the crew push through Friday morning nausea-inducing workouts... sweating through evening classes… and attempting (and failing) my way through overhang projects… I realized something: failure didn’t feel scary here.
At Summit, failing is met with encouragement, shared beta, or even someone jumping in to try, fail, and laugh right alongside you.
For the first time in my gym experience, I felt safe enough to be vulnerable. With the Summit community, I’ve stepped outside my comfort zone. Not timidly, but courageously. And slowly, I started to believe in myself, the way everyone around me already did. Every time I stumbled, I was moving forward. All the failed attempts taught me something new. Every brutal workout built resilience I didn’t know I had. I asked questions and got things wrong. I tried movements that scared me. And never, not once, was I made to feel small for not knowing.
That kind of environment is rare.
Now, I get to watch others go through their own version of that journey. I see people walk in with doubt in their eyes — and I see them leave with a little more confidence, a little more trust in themselves. I know that journey, because I’m still on it, too.
Summit gave me strength, yes… but more than that, it gave me belonging.
It gave me a space where I could drop the act, let go of the pressure, and stop worrying about not being “enough.” A space where I could fail and still feel worthy. Where I could be a beginner, a learner, a human — and still be cheered on like a champion.
Since joining Summit, I am confident in who I am, not just at work, but in life. This community is one of the most encouraging, uplifting, and genuinely supportive groups of people (and some pretty darn cute dogs) I’ve ever been lucky enough to be a part of.
To anyone out there who’s scared to start, or afraid you’re not good enough, I see you.
Just know this: the right space, with the right people, can change everything. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Or better yet, come visit us.
Because maybe, Summit is your safe space too.
