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Dreams always come true – conquering the highest mountains around the world
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Dreams always come true – conquering the highest mountains around the world

Fri, Jul 15, 2016
Dreams always come true – conquering the highest mountains around the world
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On May 23, 2016, Marin Minamiya, a second year student at the School of Political Science and Economics, was the youngest Japanese ever to reach the summit of Mount Everest. On July 4, Marin reached the summit of Denali, North America’s highest peak, also becoming the youngest Japanese ever to climbed the highest summits on all seven continents.

We interviewed her right before her departure for Denali.

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On Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak

“A sensational feeling took over, and I couldn’t stop crying,” Marin said as she described how she felt when she reached the top of Mount Everest.

This took her to the last step of realizing her childhood dream of conquering the highest summits of all seven continents, but climbing Everest, which took over 60 days in all, was no simple task.

“Only seven out of the 14 of our team made it to the top. We were all of different nationalities, and I was the only woman. Climbing Everest is a battle against nature. The day before I attempted to summit, the trail became congested, and some people got severe frostbite.”

Luckily, the weather cleared up with blue skies when Marin decided to make her move. She was in good condition, and reached the peak without injury.

Marin had become interested in Waseda University when she was a junior high school student in Hong Kong. She says she was attracted to Waseda’s principles of respecting each student’s independence and uniqueness, as well as the supportive environment for athletes. She is living that creed, too, paying her own tuition and expenses at university, just as she has found sponsors to pay for her many expeditions on her own.

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In Antarctica

“I believe this is my strength. From my university life to climbing, I have planned and organized everything myself. Starting from not having any connections, I have emailed over 1000 people to find sponsors. Maybe because I have lived abroad for so long, I feel that Japanese students lack assertiveness and autonomy. Sometimes, I feel that being an ordinary student is not enough.”

Though Marin thinks that Japanese students often fear change and do not challenge themselves enough, she has a very different impression of Waseda students.

“When I entered Waseda University, I felt it was exactly the place I had imagined. A vital energy runs through the institution, and many students are highly motivated. There are also many international students, including one of my good friends. Because everyone comes from a different background, their ideas and beliefs have a positive influence on me.”

Marin’s adventurous life of traveling around the world to climb the highest mountains may appear glamorous, but she says that she has also experienced failures.

“When I was hiking in Japan last year, I slipped 250 meters downhill and spent the night alone in the snow until the rescue team found me. It was a life-threatening experience, and I’m very fortunate that I didn’t die.”

To begin with, there is no easy way to climb any of the world’s highest peaks. There is constant frustration and anxiety, yet Marin continues summon up courage and take on such challenges with optimism.

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Mountain climbing means always being aware of danger

“Climbing Mount Everest was not a goal but part of a continuous process. I don’t really have time to be immersed in deep emotion. After completing the Seven Summits challenge, I am looking forward to exploring the North Pole in April to complete the Grand Slam (reaching the 7 continents’ highest peaks and the North and South Poles).”

Finally, she had a message for her fellow students.

“Each person should attempt to reach their goals at their own pace. There is no ‘fast’ or ‘slow’ in the process, but the most important thing is to be conscious of what you want to achieve, in your own style. I think many Waseda students already know this. I want everyone to remember that dreams can always come true. I climb actual mountains, but I’m sure everyone has their own peaks to reach. Let’s continue to live our lives to the fullest!”

In the future, Marin hopes also to be involved in the Tokyo Olympics and explore the sea someday, too. Here’s hoping her dreams never end.

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instagram: marin_minamiya

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