Michigan State University student climbs Mt. Kilimanjaro

EAST LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - Studying abroad is an experience some college students get, but what they do with the experience can be up to them.

Lily Connors took full advantage of her study abroad when she went to Africa.

She climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro.

She decided to extend her trip by 10 days to take on the mountain.

“I’m so glad I did it,” said Connors, an incoming Michigan State University (MSU) Sophomore.

Connors said she was looking for something epic in her study abroad, and she found it through her journey up the mountain.

“In the jungle, there are monkeys, and it’s rainy, it’s kind of like a rain forest, and then as you get highe,r it gets colder, less and less plants. It’s kind of like a desert for a few days,” said Connors.

She took it one step at a time.

“They say, pole pole, which means slowly slowly in Kiswahili,” said Connors.

When she made it to the top, she knew each step was worth the climb.

‘It was one of those things that you kind of had to pinch yourself, and you’re like, is this a dream? It just felt so special, like one of those things that you’re like, it’s one of the best things in a lifetime. It was just so magical," said Connors.

While she studied abroad in Africa, she was able to help kids learn how to use computers.

It took Lily seven days to climb up the mountain and return to the ground safely.

Even though it was tough physically and mentally, she is glad she did it.

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