Mountains, Goals, Change: At the Summit, we are all Equals

Henning is not someone who likes to play with fire either, or searches for the next adrenaline rush such as a bungee jump in the mountains. What appeals to him about mountaineering is pushing himself to his limits, and he is curious about how he will mentally react to this trial of strength with untamed nature. "There are lots of parallels between mountaineering and life", he says whilst taking a break. "Mountains provide a challenge, clear benchmarks, because there is a visible goal that has to be reached which you can measure yourself against. An opportunity that's rare in daily life. Reaching your own limits and overcoming them, that's what excites me." But there's more that draws him to the mountains: "The social element, which demands personal growth. Giving and receiving trust, leaving your comfort zone and entering the growth zone as opposed to the panic zone. The thrill, without becoming reckless."

As the pair progresses towards the summit, Magdalena watches Henning carefully every step of the way. As a guide, she constantly has to reassess the physical form and ability of her guests, and adapt the route if needed. Her face lights up as she talks about her climbing philosophy, which is quite similar to Henning's: "It's important to set yourself goals on the mountain, as in real life. When you reach a point where you are stuck and allow a little change, are open to something new, that helps in everyday life, too. Nature doesn't make a difference between men, women, those professionally successful or those who are not." With their goal in sight, Magdalena and Henning approach the last metres to the top. The trees and huts in the valley have shrunk to the size of toys and the path they have climbed no longer appears as overwhelming. The last section, however, demands a secure rope and one last push.

Then finally: The summit! At the highest point of the Schöttnerspitze, the leg pain is quickly forgotten. 2,633 m above sea level, all that matters is the view, the reward, the sense of having reached one's goal. And that is "something very special" every time, even for an experienced climber like Magdalena, as she admits. Henning himself is visibly overwhelmed. "Time and space stand still at the summit", he says. "It's a feeling of complete awe, like being on top of the world and looking down at nature that is millions of years old. I am extremely grateful for this moment."

The student finishes the tour filled with new impressions and endorphins, as he adds, "a whole lot of self-confidence and personal growth".