Through a Volunteer’s Eyes

Written by Omar Hassan

I’ve been asked what keeps me coming back to Beyond Boundaries. The simple answer is that every time I volunteer, I leave feeling more energized, more grounded, and more grateful than when I arrived.

Most of my time with Beyond Boundaries so far has been climbing related, usually belaying, and sometimes side climbing to support participants. On the surface, that might sound technical or even passive. In reality, it’s anything but. Belaying is about trust. It’s about creating a safe space where someone can try something difficult, maybe something they never thought they could do, and discover that they’re capable of more than they imagined.

Watching confidence build, even in small moments, is powerful.

What feels a little strange is being thanked for volunteering, because it genuinely feels like I get more out of it than I give. Through Beyond Boundaries, I’ve met some of my new favorite people. Being alongside Katie and George, in particular, has been amazing. They are exceptional at what they do, and watching how they work with participants and naturally build trust and encouragement has taught me a lot. I’ve also learned a great deal from Dave Swager, a fellow volunteer who brings deep experience, calm confidence, and kindness to everything he does. He’s just an all-around wonderful human.

But of course, the participants are at the heart of it all.

One moment in particular has stayed with me. I was belaying a seven-year-old girl whose disability affects her legs. She’s a great climber. Every time I glanced over, I saw her dad watching from the side, smiling ear to ear. He looked so proud. That quiet joy, that sense of possibility, said everything. That single experience would have been enough to keep me coming back.

Being part of Beyond Boundaries has also shifted something in me personally. Spending time with people who overcome challenges I’ll hopefully never have to face has changed how I think about my own limits. It’s taught me to focus less on what I think I can’t do and more on what I can. That perspective hasn’t stayed on the climbing wall. It’s followed me into the rest of my life.

I’m deeply grateful for Beyond Boundaries and for the community that makes it what it is. The participants, volunteers, and staff have inspired me and filled my heart in ways I didn’t expect. It’s a reminder that joy, confidence, and growth are often found on the other side of trust, encouragement, and a willingness to try.