A Challenging Journey

Author: Julie Raymond for The Degree Guild

All three women were hot, tired, and dirty; they wanted a shower, a good meal, a laugh with friends, and a restful night's sleep. The women had just completed a multi-day, mixed-terrain bikepacking journey of approximately 153 miles, circumventing the Grand Teton peaks. The effort involves a total elevation gain of approximately 8,500 to 10,000 feet, a mix of paved and forest roads, overnight wilderness camping, epic scenery, big game wildlife such as bears, and unpredictable mountain weather. Together, the women conquered the task. They were basking in the satisfaction of completing a challenging journey.

Driving through Teton Pass, the women regaled their shared accomplishment and marveled at the steep inclines up and down the winding 11-mile-long highway, steep 10% maximum grades reaching 8,431 feet above sea level. Together contemplating the question, could they do it? Could they cycle this pass with their gear?

My own fitness level was simply ambulatory. I could walk around; and I wasn't up to any serious physical challenge. The 3 women, however, weighed the pros and cons, coming to the conclusion as we reached the peak that 'yes', they could successfully cycle this pass.

I marveled at their battle-earned camaraderie and their shared confidence. Having tested their limits, they assessed these challenging peaks and were confident that together, they were capable of climbing this laborious mountain pass also. Nothing here could stop them.

Caught up in the resolve of their collective will, I ruminated about my own challenges. The metaphorical mountains I was avoiding climbing, even though I wanted to. The Degree Guild is one such mountain, whose immensity, potential, and unknown challenges kept me frozen in self-doubt and crippling stage fright. Between bouts of agonizing personal assessment, I have been working towards a serious launch since 2023. Now, in 2026, I am committed to the opportunity The Degree Guild presents to education borrowers for more fiscal resilience and to safeguard the path to educational attainment for other students.

I don't know what the outcome of this venture will be, but I am climbing my mountain - assembling and launching The Degree Guild. I hope you will join me in imagining a new way to collaborate for better financial outcomes. We are stronger together.