Regina Turner is the first African-American woman to climb Mount Everest. As a child, she moved from her birthplace in South Carolina to New York City with her family. There, they could get more opportunities and be less likely to be discriminated against. But life was not easy for them. They always had to keep moving because no one would hire black people in that small town. Regina remembers going to different schools and being treated differently than the white children. In the end, it made her stronger and more determined to succeed. Even though she didn’t have much growing up, she was determined to make something of herself. She started working at a young age as a nanny while taking classes at night so she could build a solid education foundation for herself. She later became an Environmental Technician so that job would be more accessible for her once she finished college and got a degree in environmental sciences with a minor in biology.
A Memoir of Life on the Edge
Life can be a struggle for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for black people. Whether you are a woman or a man, the odds are stacked against you. That is especially true for black women. There are a lot of stereotypes that people have about black women, including that we all have big lips, big asses, and big personalities. We also all have big hair, which is not always a good thing either. These stereotypes can make it hard for black women to feel good about themselves. That is why it is so important for us to tell our own stories. That way, we can show other people what it is like to be black and female in the world. If we can get people to look at black women and see them as more than just stereotypes then we are making a huge impact.
Growing up in South Carolina
Regina’s parents grew up in South Carolina during the segregation era. They knew that they would have to work hard to be successful in any career they chose. They also knew they would have to work hard to make sure that Regina would have opportunities that others did not. Luckily, they also knew that there was no reason why Regina could not be just as successful as them. After all, she was their daughter. When she was young, Regina moved with her family to New York City so that she could have better opportunities there. In New York, she saw in herself the ability to succeed and make her mark in the world because she was black and female. She started working at a young age as a nanny while taking classes at night so she could build a solid education foundation for herself.
The Journey Begins: College, Graduate School, and Everest
After college, Regina went to graduate school. During her Ph.D., Regina took a six-month break from the lab to climb Mount Everest. She told The New York Times that she wanted to do more of the things that she was told she could not do while growing up. She wanted to challenge herself and feel proud of herself. The climb was not easy for her or her team. They had to carry heavy loads of supplies up to camp and hike back down the mountain with all their gear. Afterward, they did not feel very proud of themselves.
Regina and her team reach the summit of Mount Everest
On May 25th, 2019, at 2:15 PM, the Sherpa guides on Regina’s team reached the summit of Mount Everest for the first time in the history of climbing. This was a major accomplishment for the entire climbing team. The climb up the mountain was particularly difficult because of the harsh weather conditions that had plagued the area. This made it a very dangerous climb for the climbers. To reach the summit of Mount Everest, the group of climbers had to climb up a dangerous ice slope while carrying heavy loads of supplies. Then, they had to push through a difficult section of ice that was too thin to walk across. Finally, they had to climb up a steep section of rock that was too difficult to climb with ice axes. All of this was done while wearing heavy climbing boots.
The team heads to base camp for a rest day
On May 26th, 2019, the climbing team left the mountain to go back to base camp so that they could have some rest and relax after the grueling climb. This was the first rest day for the team. They got to rest, talk to friends and see their families after the long, stressful climb up the mountain.
The team heads to base camp for another rest day before returning to Kathmandu
On May 27th, 2019, the climbing team returned to base camp so they could rest and have another meal. Then, they headed to Kathmandu, Nepal, so they could start their journey back home to the United States. They traveled by bus from Kathmandu to New Delhi, India, by air, and from there they took a flight to Newark, NJ, where Regina lives. After landing, the team checked into a hotel to get some rest and relax before continuing to their final destination of Pittsburgh, PA.
Regina returns to the United States and continues her career as an Environmental Technician
Regina was able to return to New York from the climb to continue her job as an Environmental Technician. She had a great career and a lot of opportunities because of the work she had done in graduate school. She was able to promote diversity within her workplace and make her environment more inclusive with programs like Black History Month.
Final Words
Regina Turner has proven that anything is possible if you have the grit and determination to make it happen. She overcame a lot of adversity while growing up and has persevered to become a successful black woman in any field she chooses.