Bundled in 3 layers of coats, yet still cold in the frigid Colorado wilderness, Senior Alex Elwell overlooked the city of Leadville after a day of backpacking as her friends back home sat through classes and attended sports practice. She thought for the thousandth time how crazy it was that she was here.

Alex first learned about the High Mountain Institute, a semester school based in Leadville Colorado, through an admissions representative visit back in her freshman year. Alex, having been very outdoorsy and wanting more out of the traditional high school experience, decided to apply.

“Every interview I saw with HMI alums, the experience seemed transcendental to them. It seemed wholesome but like it also pushed you. You’re not going to be static”, Alex reflected.

The High Mountain Institute consists of four months in Leadville, Colorado, backpacking, camping, and learning. Students complete their traditional academic studies, but unlike most schools, they embark on three expeditions into the nearby wilderness. Living, learning, and exploring together, the 50 or so students form a tight-knit community that will last a lifetime.

Speaking of the community, Alex said, “It [HMI] was a place like no other. Every interaction is laced with love and sincerity. It felt unreal… Obviously, the experience wasn’t perfect, but it was as close to nirvana as something can be.”

Certainly, her semester did not come without its challenges. At one particular moment during her second expedition, Alex contracted frostbite on her hands. After noticing her purple fingers while building shelter for the night, she began panicking but was told there was nothing that could be done in the current situation. In retrospect, Alex realized, “Your body can be pushed to an incredible extent. I’m so much stronger than I thought I was.”

Throughout the whole ordeal, she kept thinking to herself “I can survive this”. And she did not only survive, rather she thrived. Alex realized, “HMI taught me that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel, but you should enjoy the tunnel too”.

Transitioning back to life at Hackley after such a unique experience hasn’t been easy. After being away from home for 4 months surrounded by a completely different community, lifestyle, and location, Alex felt, “ a little anxious about socializing with everyone back at Hackley and worried they might’ve forgotten me”.

“I had reached such a lovely understanding of what school could be, and it was really hard to let go of that and return”. From academic to social pressure, there were many things to re-adjust to.

Even though it pained her greatly to leave, Alex doesn’t regret her decision to attend HMI one bit. She emerged feeling much more well-rounded, mature and loved than she ever had before. Though she can’t go back, Alex said the impermanence of HMI is what makes it so special. To anyone considering applying, she says, “do it”.