Peaks
“Mountains are both journey and destination. They summon us to climb their slopes, explore their canyons, and attempt their summits. The summit, despite months of preparation and toil, is never guaranteed though tastes of sweet nectar when reached. If my only goal as a teacher and mountaineer is the summit, I risk cruel failure if I do not reach the highest apex. Instead, if I accept the mountain’s invitation to journey and create meaning in each step, success is manifest in every moment.”
Here are some of the “Highest Point Lists” that TA is working towards completing. Click on the dates to read her training updates and dispatches from the climbs.
| Volcanic Seven Summits |
Continent |
Altitude |
Attempts |
Summit |
| Ojos de Salado |
S. America |
6893 |
2007 |
|
| Kilimanjaro |
Africa |
5892 |
|
June 2008 |
| Elbrus |
Europe |
5642 |
2006 |
July 2009 |
| Orizaba |
N. America |
5632 |
1986 |
|
| Damavand |
Asia |
5610 |
|
|
| Giluwe |
Australia |
4368 |
|
|
| Sidley |
Antarctica |
4285 |
|
|
Hii TA! I’m a 15 year old girl from central Newfoundland. I heard you speak at the leadership summit in Grand Falls in 2010. Your story inspired me and when i leave my high school I am going to be a high school Phys. Ed. teacher. I want to make an impact on peoples lives the way you have. Maybe someday I’ll be attempting Everest.. who knoes haha.
Thanks for what you do.. you are a true inspiration and an amazing role model.
Sam.
Hi Sam,
Thanks for making my day. Thanks as well for taking the time to look up my website and make a comment. Just today I was in a high school in Avondale and so enjoyed talking to the students there about the importance of having big dreams and big goals. Glad to hear you’re aiming to become a PE teacher-that means if you come to Memorial I may get to be your instructor there. Keep me posted as your path unfolds. TA
Hi TA
I would love to be like you one day my dream is to be a famous singer. I am a 9 year old girl i sing dance and i also play guitar. i want to be kind of famous because i don’t want to not be able to go outside.
Tara follett
Tara,
Thanks for writing and saying hello. I’m glad you have big dreams and big goals. That’s great that you can sing, dance and play guitar. Keep practicing and enjoying all that music. I love music and I’m glad you are making some! TA
Hi TA,
I am a 9 years old.l would love to be famious just like you.My dream is to be a dolphin trainer at seaworld,Oralando Florida.l herd you are comeing to my school this month l can’t wait for you to come and tell us all about your journeys.l can’t wait to see you TA
Ashley:)
hi TA
this is tara again i just wanted to thank for writing me back.i really thought that you wouldn’t write me back in like a week or so because of your schedule.once in June i went to Gander with my family it was raining the whole entirer time.
Tara,
I’m always happy to reply when I can. I’m in Barbados now until Sunday-what a fun spot-lots of adventures to be had.
TA
Hi TA,
I am so glad that you are coming to my school St.Teresa’s. I am so excited to meet you. I am a 9 yr old girl and i have big dreams and big goals. My dreams are to be a famous dancer, a dolphin trainer and to meet a person like you. I know to never give up on my dreams, and i learned that from you. I think that when I get to do my dreams that I will think about you and how you never gave up!!!
From: Kiona Conway
Kiona,
I’m sitting beside the ocean in Barbados and picturing you training dolphins one day and that makes me smile. I’m glad you believe in yourself and you’ll go after your dreams.
TA
hello Miss TA,
I am a big fan of yours. I am a 9 year old girl named Brianna.I love art and i like to sing and dance.You are a great role model too me.Me and my class will be so happy to see you and hear about your adventures.Do you think you will finish mount Everest. I really hope you do.
Brianna
Briana,
I hope we can reschedule my visit to your school. I do love the snow but hate when in gets in the way of meeting great kids like you. I sure hope I get to the top of Mount Everest one day too! Keep singing and dancing!
TA
Thank you TA for replying i will never give up on my art dream
brianna
thank you for replying. I will never give up on my dreames
brianna:)
Thank you so much for replying. I can’t wait to hear about your exploration when you come to my school and i will follow my dreams!!!
PS:I hope that you will get to the top of mount everest.
From: Kiona.c
hi TA
i am a 9 year old girl and my dream is to be a dolphin trainer at Seaworld,Oralando Florida i herd you are coming to my school this month i go to st.Teresas i hope you can reschedule i hope to see you soon
Ashley:)
Hi Ashley,
That’s an exciting dream to work with dolphins. I love dolphins. I saw some once swimming in the bow wave of the boat I was on. Keep working hard to learn lots about science. Hope to see you at your school soon.
TA
TA
thanks for replying im in a rush to get to school i love dolphins see you soon
Ashley
Dear Ta
My name is Beth. I am a 9 year old and I am looking forword to meeting you because you are coming to my school!! When I grow up I want to be a mountian climber just like you I want to fallow in your foot steps and climb mount Everest the would be the one of the best things that ever happened to me.I know Tara kiona Ashley and Brianna they are girls in my class they are really nice. BYE your friend Beth
Hi Beth,
That’s great that you want to climb mountains especially high ones! The world needs more female mountaineers. You’ll want to be active every day and learn lots in physical education class that will help you grow up and become a climber. Have fun.
TA
Thank you for replying and all the great information!!!! I agree that we need more female mountain climbers.
Beth