Class of 2017
Academy
Williamsburg
Ellie Anderson
I think this photo sums up so much of who I am: Big wild hair, blue eyes, passionately happy, and out in nature. I have grown so much throughout my high school years, which, I suppose, isn’t surprising. But what surprised me is how deeply I would grow. I didn’t expect to learn so much about the world and myself, but I am so profoundly thankful that I did.
My first experience with Williamsburg was a Zen Zone Conference, and while I enjoyed it, it didn’t light the fire of my passion. Elevation did. I arrived at the August 2013 Elevation as an insecure 14 year old struggling to figure out who I was and what I wanted in life. I was so nervous and I hoped that I would be able to hang out with my then 16 year old brother, Duke, (he’s an absolutely phenomenal person, btw) because I didn’t know anyone there. But I was put in the greatest pod of all time.
From day one, I was so at ease. I put my all into everything I did that Elevation. This photo is of my at that first Elevation attempting to ascend to the top of the rope and ring that dang bell. I didn’t make it. I struggled on those ropes for what felt like forever. I wasn’t going to give up.
Eventually, I did have to come down, but only did so after Ben Brown and Laura Baker convinced me I had given it my best. I was shaking from the exertion as I came off and we were all stinky and gross, but we all embraced in the greatest group hug of my life. Those incredible Williamsburgers saw the real Ellie Anderson, and they accepted and loved her. It was truly a life changing experience, but I was still dead set on ringing that dang bell.
After a rigorous freshman year and beautiful sophomore year, I attended the May 2015 Elevation session with my best Williamsburger friends. The food, activities, and people were all so incredibly wonderful and I was in heaven. I was so ready to conquer the ascension this time and I did. Hearing a bell ring has never been more satisfying in my life.
My dear friend, Briar Rose, snapped a photo of me at the top. I had the most insightful and powerful solo time there and I really came to love nature more than ever before. I realized how much I had grown and learned and I just felt so overwhelmingly thankful.
I think this story really sums up my Williamsburg experience. I pushed myself to my limits and left it all behind. I truly have no regrets from my time here, I have loved all the crazy wild and insanely beautiful moments.
I am so thankful for the incredible mentors here at Williamsburg who have taught me so much, the brilliant friends I have made, and my ever patient family. I have discovered so many new things about myself and my passion for life and learning was sparked here. I will forever love this place.
