I can't believe it. After months of talking about it, thinking about it, and certainly training for it, I climbed Mount Fuji! I have to be honest — before heading out, I started to doubt myself. Was I strong enough? Had I trained enough? But I did it!

Standing up there, watching the sunrise arm-in-arm with all of my teammates while listening to a beautiful trumpet solo was indescribable. I was so proud of everyone, but to be honest, I was in complete awe of what some of my teammates overcame to be standing there with us. There were physical challenges to be sure, but I think about the resilience of the people there. People who couldn't even vacuum a room several years ago were there. People who were told they may only live a couple of years. People who lost some of those closest in their lives. People who are currently helping those close to them.

All of these people were standing with me. All are testaments to the strength we have inside of ourselves. And I think about the compassion of others there. People who work so hard for people like me, not only in their careers but there on the mountain. The executive and the doctor who carried packs for struggling teammates. The geneticist with a well-timed hug.

With people like these, how can you not feel hopeful for the future?