Mountaineer of the Week: Andrew Pedersen

Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our member profile this week we talked to...

Name: Andrew Pedersen (he/him)
Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO
Member since: 2016
Volunteer since: 2018
Occupation: Corporate finance
Favorite activities: Most things that get me outside in places that challenge me and provide spectacular natural beauty

10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?  

My wife signed me up for a photography course after she gave me a DSLR for Christmas.

How did you get started as a volunteer?

After taking the Basic Alpine Scrambling course, I saw how all the instructors were volunteers and understood how The Mountaineers is a pay-it-forward organization. We would not exist if not for the helping hands provided by past course participants turned course instructors.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY? 

Coming down from the summit of Mt. Baker with John Bell, when a Mountaineer/trail angel, who had valued a prior experience with John, provided cold Gatorade and pastries to us coming down the Railroad Grade. This was a formative experience for me. John had been paying things forward as a climb leader for so long, it was great to see a small recognition of his service.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO DONATE TO THE MOUntAINEERS?

Seeing the impact on people who would not otherwise have the opportunity to participate.

What is one surprising thing you've learned through volunteering with The Mountaineers?

Both how good it feels to give back to The Mountaineers community, as well as how helpful it is to refresh and hone one's skills through teaching.

What impact do you hope to have in our community through your donations? 

I hope to support programs for environmental stewardship and increased accessibility.

 Lightning Round

Sunrise or sunset? Sunset, I grew up in Colorado where the bumper stickers read: If God was not a Broncos fan, why are sunsets orange?
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your favorite close-to-home outdoor activity? Climbing Tiger Mountain via its many routes to the top.
What's your 11th Essential? A sense of humor. Trying to learn this from experienced leaders like Cebe Wallace.
What's next on your bucket list? Hoping to climb Mt. Rainier. I had plans to attempt it last year that did not work out due to weather.