The Value of Simplicity

By: Andrés Jesús Ramírez Bernal, DSM graduate 2022

That's how a months-long adventure began. We organized the trip logistics, and we formed a group of 8 graduated friends. It became the final chapter of this stage, with my best friends. The chosen destination was Nevado del Tolima, an inactive volcano located in the Colombian Andes. With an altitude of 5,270 meters, it is considered a challenging hike. We trained for months, climbing Cerro de las Tres Cruces and hitting the gym. It was 5 days of hiking, isolated from the world, among friends and connected with nature. Not everyone reached the summit, but that's the least important. We all arrived healthy and happy. I also learned a lesson I needed. As the end of the year approached, I was graduating, preparing to study in Germany, leaving my loved ones behind. My life was about to change, not knowing how to face it. The journey had challenging and fun moments, a summit, and a conclusion. I realized that each stage is necessary, even the end, which means not everything lasts forever. I learned to appreciate.