Today’s Climber Interview features Sara Knežević! I’m sure many of you will find this one relatable. I love reading all the different responses that have been gathered so far. So without further ado, I’ll let Sara introduce herself:

Q1: To start, a few ways you identify yourself... (some examples: name, age, pronouns, type of work you do...) But really, anything you believe is important.
A1: My name is Sara (she/her), and I am a 20-year-old microbiologist in the making.

Q2: How did you start climbing?
A2: I started climbing when my local gym opened up 3 years ago and I thought it would be something cool to try out. I was hooked from the first visit, and the rest is history.

Q3: What impact has climbing had on your life?
A3: Climbing has brought me an outlet for stress and has helped me take care of my mental health greatly. I struggle with anxiety and I find that climbing gives me a break from thinking about everyday worries, and instead to just think about the problems on the wall and climbing them. Climbing has also brought me some amazing people into my life, allowing me to make lifelong friendships and meet all different kinds of people. I have people in various cities who always go climb with me when I visit them, and it brings me so much joy.

Q4: What are some other things you do that you find most fulfilling?
A4: I find helping people most fulfilling, and I definitely use that in climbing- helping new climbers with problems and seeing the happiness on their face when they succeed gives me so much joy.

Q5: If you could tell the world one thing, what would it be?
A5: If I could tell the world one thing, it would be that if you’re contemplating doing something that scares you, you should do it. Most of the time, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Ask that person out. Try the really hard route. Do the damn thing.

Find out more about Sara on Instagram @saraknez_