I wanted to go to a boarding school. I thought that it would be really good for me. I wanted to come for the academics, and I really liked the outdoor program that they have here. When I was younger, I did rock climbing with my brother, and it’s always interested me. I thought it was really cool to be able to be outside and do it. It had good opportunities for learning and getting outside.
I was a gymnast for about 11 years. When I came here, climbing was something that intrigued me, and I would go out a little bit. It wasn’t really a big thing in my life until I came here.
I encourage everyone to try climbing. Maybe it’s a little biased because out of all the sports I’ve tried, it’s been my favorite. But rock climbing is for anyone, no matter how good you are. If you just started or if you’ve been doing it forever, it’s always fun.
I’m planning to go to college out West and continue a career in the outdoor industry. Maybe that will be adventure, education, or guiding. I just love being outside doing any outdoor activity. It doesn’t have to be rock climbing.
I like to snowboard. I just started last year, so I’m just getting into it. Hiking is super fun. That’s something I’ve always been into.
One piece of advice I have for younger students is just to talk to everybody. Northwood is a small community. If you put yourself out there and talk to everyone, it’s a lot more fun.
My best memory from being at Northwood was climbing Kilimanjaro last winter. That was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.
As told to Gavin Kruger ’26. Photo of Avery on Mt. Kilimanjaro: Mr. Eric Adsit.
