Song Seto (she/her)
Scholarship Recipient | 2023 Flash Foxy Climbing Festival - Bishop
When Spring Transcends Daffodils and Sunshine
To be completely honest, the days leading up to the Flash Foxy Festival – held from March 17 to 19 – were quite challenging for me. My main objective was to make a meaningful contribution to the elders by replenishing their food pantries and providing essential supplies. During that time, I had been in contact with Jolie Varela, a resident of Payahüünadü, also known as The Place of Flowing Water. However, I learned that the roads leading to places like the Buttermilks, the Gorge, and Pleasant Valley were severely damaged and unsafe. It made me realize the importance of considering the impact I would have on that space.
The turning point came when I watched Shelma’s video about the festival. I was pleased to see her delivering a crisp message, and her words made me feel like I was being carried towards something greater, as if I were flowing and floating.
Learning and Embracing Change
I am still in the process of learning and embracing change, understanding that pivoting is a significant decision that rarely happens overnight. It requires strategy and a transitional period. In my case, the decision not to climb felt right and aligned with the circumstances. Surprisingly, magical things unfolded as a result. Instead of resisting, it felt like I was riding a wave and giving the land the break, it needed. And that feeling was incredibly gratifying, surpassing any previous experiences. Pivoting allows dreams that once seemed unattainable to become possible and necessary. (Upon reflection,) I can only imagine how overwhelming it is to receive unsolicited advice, especially when it places immense pressure on one’s situation. Despite the fear I felt about driving four hours from LA to Bishop without climbing, I realized that my interest in it was a sign to trust my instincts and go for it. Pivoting is a monumental decision that rarely occurs overnight. It involves careful strategy and a transitional process.
What Climbing Represents to Me
As someone with multiple invisible disabilities and chronic illnesses, I have learned to navigate and overcome the challenges presented by people who make assumptions and disbelieve me when I mention my limitations due to these invisible disabilities. For me, climbing is primarily a mental endeavor, involving confronting my fears and embracing failure. My hope is to conquer the fear of falling. Becoming accustomed to falling while exposed is essential, and feeling secure on a route within my abilities is crucial. Finding a secure spot well above a clip and letting my body soar into open space is a significant part of this process. It often feels like I cannot let go of the wall, but the uncontrolled fall that follows when I have never fallen before is far worse. Flash Foxy opened my eyes to my untapped potential beyond climbing. The festival offered yoga sessions on Friday and Saturday, allowing me to find my center of gravity and better understand how my body moves as a cohesive unit. This knowledge will prove invaluable when reaching for my next foothold. Although I am still in the early stages of climbing, I have realized that climbing is a community. Climbers of all skill levels form the core, and the tireless efforts of volunteers enable professionals to pursue their passion.
The Necessity of the Flash Foxy Scholarship
As a beginner climber, accessing mountains and mountain education has been a significant challenge for me. This is especially true since I did not grow up in a community centered around mountains. Hence, I am incredibly grateful for the Flash Foxy Scholarship. Despite attending the festival without any expectations, I left with a heart full of gratitude and hands-on training in Wilderness Medicine. Drs. Pan and Kouklis took great pride in educating participants about altitude illness, ankle and arm injuries, snake bites.