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    CU Has Sent Me Over the Edge — For Kids’ sake, that is

    Why would one choose to rappel 20 stories down from the roof of the PNC building? Well, aside from the incredible adrenaline rush, it is also a wonderful opportunity to raise money and awareness for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Ohio. On June 21st, around 25 individuals, who have raised at least $1,500 each, will be participating in Over the Edge for Kid’s Sake. I was afforded the opportunity for a preview today and to see Columbus from a whole other perspective.

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    Last October, when I learned that my coworker, Melanie, took part in this event, I felt very intrigued. Also, I was extremely envious as I thought it sounded like an amazing experience. So when the opportunity presented itself last month, I quickly volunteered.

    Up until this week, I was feeling excited, almost anxious, for that 200 foot descent; and then this morning I woke up with a swarm of butterflies in my stomach. I have never rappelled, and as a complete novice, it started to seem like a bad idea begin with a high-rise building. Still, I knew there was no turning back. I just had to keep telling myself it was for the kids.

    When I checked in on the 19th floor, the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Ohio staff greeted me with such enthusiasm that I began to feel a bit calmer, and when I was introduced to the Over the Edge crew, I felt reassured. I knew then that I was in good hands. It was time to harness up and head to the roof for training.

    OK, so I will admit that up until this point my mother was accompanying me. I have yet to reach a point in my life where I don’t need my mom around when I am taking on something big, but when it was time to go outside, I hugged her goodbye and turned myself over to Alexi and the rappelling crew to learn the ropes (literally).

    While I felt certain that it would be nearly impossible for anything to go wrong once I completed my training session, my heart still almost stopped when I heard one of the crew radio to the ground that I was ready to go. Ready to go?!? It became real then real quick. I may have blacked out mentally for a second, darn adrenaline, because the next thing I remember was standing at the edge with the ropes in my hands, hooked up and ready to go. I was petrified, but when the crew told me to start lowering myself down, I did just that. I also somehow managed to smile, I hope, for the professional photographer.

    As my friends and rappelling veterans had told me, the first drop back was the toughest. Once I was on my way down the building, I felt empowered. “I can do this” I thought to myself. I was actually already doing it. The view was amazing, and while I was shaking with excitement, I was able to stop myself for a minute or two to take it all in.

    As I approached the ground, I was cheered on by my mom, coworkers, and the Over the Edge team. An intense wave of emotions hit me when I hit the ground. It was quite overwhelming. As two young boys fist bumped me and told me congratulations, I started crying. These were tears of accomplishment. I felt overjoyed by this feat and overwhelmed by the encouragement. The high stayed with me throughout the day, and I am convinced a part of it will remain inside of me for the rest of my life. It was an amazing for an amazing cause.

    To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio, visit BBBSCentralOhio.org.


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