I spent the previous week in Bishop, California: the high-ball bouldering Mecca. Climbing offers refuge from the prosaic demands of life. At times, it compels me to allocate every iota of my attention to a single, tangible objective. Any extraneous thoughts or stresses dissipate as I struggle through a testing set of movements, punctuated by the ever-present peril of a sudden fall.

When I relish these moments, however, the nostalgia zeros in on the friendships that sprouted from such outings. Agustín Letelier and I met during undergraduate studies, celebrating our small victories in climbing which promptly developed into genuine camaraderie. Eli Yale, both a friend and a climbing mentor, helped me overcome many of my self-perceived limitations. I could write endlessly about Agustín’s doggedness and Eli’s Panglossian spirit, but it isn’t the thesis of this piece.

Rather, this week was a reminder of how vital it is share one’s passions with others. Friendships are glued together by common life pursuits, strengthened by concerted effort, and refined over time. No achievement in my life holds greater significance to me than the relationships I have forged along the way. Thank you to all my friends, both distant and close.

In honor of James “Jim” Mase, a remarkable friend for whom I wish I could've done more. Semper Fidelis.