8 powerful life lessons a tech exec learned when her charity climb to one of the highest summits in the world tested her physically and mentally

(Location: Plaza de Mulas, 14.400')

As our expedition was going from Confluencia to Plaza de Mulas (the base camp of Aconcagua) in an over 8-hour journey, we reached the last part of the trek, a steep ascend to the basecamp. Suddenly, I heard a member of our crew screaming to step aside. I looked up in time to see a herd of mules being shepherded down the same mountain slope where we were located. The mules were rushing down on a sandy and rocky steep surface.

Convinced that one of them was going to knock me down, I leaned towards the slope hoping the mules would pass me by. One of the animals knocked down a sizeable rock. A member of our crew noticed the rock falling down towards me, caught it with both hands, and held it until the mules passed us by. After what could have been a very unfortunate event, we reached the top of the slope. The view cleared enough for us to see that we had reached our destination: Plaza de Mulas.

As we rested in base camp and met other climbers making their way to the peak, I couldn't help but feel grateful for my amazing crew. It was another lesson learned: Whether it's climbing a mountain or collaborating on a project, it's important to be surrounded by reliable people.

(Location: Camp 1, Plaza Canada, 16.108')

At higher altitudes, water is gained by melting snow, filleting it, and then boiling to make it safe to drink. Food options are limited and mostly consist of various candy bars. It was difficult getting out of the tent in subzero temperatures, almost being blown off the mountain by the strongest winds I have ever experienced.

It was New Year's Eve when the winds started thrashing against my tent. They were reaching 60mph. When you are in extreme situations, it's hard to take anything for granted. Even having enough oxygen to take a deep breath felt like a luxury. At some point I thought, "When I go back, I'll have enough oxygen to breathe freely. What more could one ask for?"

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(Location: Camp 2, Nino de Condorez, 17.650')

As we neared the peak and the air became thinner, the journey became more challenging. In the meantime, the weather conditions started to become more extreme. The winds were howling with an extraordinary strength. Every movement or action that would seem trivial at lower altitudes, required an effort.

At one point, the wind turned my tent upside down with me inside. The tent started to slide down the cliff. I stretched out both arms into the wind to confront it. I crawled out of the tent and tried to tie it around a rock, so that it stabilized.

Nights were very cold, and even inside my -40F-rated sleeping bag, it felt cold.

Throughout all this, I was realizing that my need to achieve what I planned was greater than the pain to go through it. As other mountaineers started to go down to lower altitudes, I discovered the endurance I didn't even know I had. I saw the power of small adjustments and pacing yourself, the importance of the right gear to finish the challenge. What seemed hard in the beginning gradually started to seem more manageable.

(Location: Camp 3, Colera, 19.521')

Out of seven crew members, four decided to stop early and descend before reaching camp #3. I stayed. One morning, we were graced with good news. The harsh winds had subsided, making it possible for us to climb further up.

I noticed that our bodies could adjust to the altitude and harsh conditions, but not everyone has the mental fortitude to finish the journey. Camp Colera, the highest camp in the mountain and final stop before the summit push, was full of climbers either excited to reach the top or disappointed that they had to turn back.

(Location: Plaza Indepedencia, 21476')

As the alarm went off at 2:30 a.m.. on the summit day, I thought "Just one more day." As I gained altitude, each step became harder and harder, but I already knew what to expect and how to adjust. Whatever I would attempt to do the day after, would certainly be easier. So I kept climbing… until there was no more mountain left to climb.

As I was leaving Camp 3 Colera, I checked my gear, put on my double boots, parka, and mittens and began the ascend, still in the dark, with the headlamp and moonlight lighting the way. It was supposed to be an 18-hour long day of climbing.

After hours, we reached a cave where we found our final rest before the final summit push. I was so close I could almost feel what it would be like to reach the top of the highest mountain in both South and North America.

The day that I placed the Refugees International flag on top of the mountain was one of the proudest moments of my life so far. I had achieved the hardest physical challenge I had ever attempted. As I proudly stood at the top, I looked down — and I remembered that reaching the top was only half of the journey.

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(Location: Aconcagua Summit, 22.841')

I eventually found myself to be the only expedition member summiting the peak of the Americas. I was looking at the Andes range and the view from nearly 23.000', every step of which I climbed with such effort. And just when you are sure you have succeeded, stop paying attention and take things for granted, this is when accidents happen.

At the summit, I saw a blizzard approaching. Since the weather changes in a blink of an eye at such extreme altitude, I knew we had a short window to descend safely.

We started making our way down when heavy snow started falling. I could barely see in front of me. That's when I took the wrong step. I fell on the rocks that were hidden under a blanket of white snow. I felt a sharp pain and heard a crack in my leg, as my gear was blown away by the wind. I could no longer stand up.

At such altitudes, no rescue is available. After a few hours, I had to figure out a way to descend on my own. I slid on my hands pushing against the ground covered in snow or through the muddy surfaces to Camp Colera and eventually to Plaza de Mulas, where medical services were available.

(Location: Mendoza, Argentina, 2.449′)

This experience and uncertainty, as well as the need to continue no matter what — literally, "crawl as long as you can crawl" — taught me many perseverance lessons. Heading for extreme heights is as much of a physical effort as it is mental. By putting ourselves in situations where we feel profoundly uncomfortable, can we test the strength of our spirit and determination. I learned that I could use my fear to get to new heights.

After my fall, I had to spend the next few days in a wheelchair until the pain subsided and then use crutches and spend many months with physical therapy exercises. This is the kind of thing you never think can happen to you.

"Knowing what you know now, would you still have climbed Aconcagua?" my friends asked me.

Absolutely! Extreme altitudes require extreme risks. By being the least experienced but most motivated member of my expedition team who managed to reach the summit, I learned that persistence and grit no matter the circumstances is an important leadership lesson. I also was of course reminded of the importance of training and focus.

I hope more of us can challenge ourselves in their own ways to see their limits and overcome them. I hope more of us can find different ways to step up for the causes we believe in.

Elena Kvochko is a technology professional and executive living in New York City. All opinions are her own. 100% of all donations raised in her effort went to Refugees International.