Writing Samples Archives

Unconquered by Kilimanjaro, Part I: Understanding the War at Home

Leave a Comment / Writing Samples / By Trevor Ogborn

For many retired military professionals and first responders, the transition to civilian life is abrupt and jarring as they grapple with challenges like survivor’s guilt, PTSD, depression and suicidal ideation. According to Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA), an Arkansas-based non-profit that specializes in serving these types of individuals, a lot of these problems stem from a lack of support and …

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Unconquered by Kilimanjaro, Part II: Kilimanjaro Climb for a Cause

Leave a Comment / Writing Samples / By Trevor Ogborn

Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, makes its way on to many bucket lists. After Retired Army Specialist Scott West lost his legs in Iraq, the feat seemed like a meaningful challenge to overcome. Early in his recovery at Walter Reed, he attended an inspirational film event for injured veterans. “I looked up at the screen and …

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Climb Against the odds with BCPP: Turning 14k Feet into $6 Million for Breast Cancer Prevention

Leave a Comment / Writing Samples / By Trevor Ogborn

Rising 14,179 feet above the pine forests of Northern California, the snow-capped peak of Mount Shasta pierces the clouds and beckons climbers and mountaineers to its thin, crisp, alpine air. It’s one of 12 fourteeners in the state—the fifth-highest among those peers—and requires a keen amount of technical skill, dedication and wherewithal to conquer.

Path of Logic: Durangoan Brings Aid to Uganda Through Biking

Leave a Comment / Writing Samples / By Trevor Ogborn

Back in May of 2016, local Durangoan Nichole Baker, a PA in pathology at Mercy Regional Medical Center, found herself in Haiti after responding to a job ad asking for help with setting up a pathology laboratory. She was tasked with installing equipment and instructing Haitian physicians on the preparation of slides and blocks used …

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Braided: Weaving Women Together

Leave a Comment / Writing Samples / By Trevor Ogborn

As channels of a river weave between small islands of sediment, like interlacing strands of hair, a braid is formed. Geologically, the term braided refers to a river pattern caused by an increase in sediment load. To Kami Swingle, it represents the interlacing of experiences, tied together to form a shared narrative around the fly …

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A Hunter, Refined: Through the Lens of Claude Steelman

Leave a Comment / Writing Samples / By Trevor Ogborn

Sitting still, under cover of his blind, countless hours have been invested in waiting for the right moment. A visage of fur creeps into the line of sight and he prepares to line things up. His practiced eyes are glued to his optics as his finger rests tensely on the trigger. So much has led …

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Leading the Way: The Precarious Art of Defying Gravity

Leave a Comment / Writing Samples / By Trevor Ogborn

The UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup was an event to behold. Featuring elite competitors from countries like Russia, Italy, Ireland, and Korea on Dec. 16 and 17, the competition tower built at Ska Brewing Headquarters was the site of great rises and huge falls (watch this video to see what I mean).

World Cup Ice Climbing and Olympic Aspirations

Leave a Comment / Writing Samples / By Trevor Ogborn

Durango is positioned to become ground zero for the U.S. Olympic Ice Climbing movement. On December 14, the Ice Climbing World Cup–the only internationally sanctioned ice climbing event in the United States–and North American Youth Championship kicks off at The Rock Lounge and Ska Brewing Headquarters, setting us on a path towards an Olympic future.