I met Michelle through a friend, and she rapidly became a part of a regular Wednesday night Moonboard crew. She was always so stoked, even if she had already climbed that morning. There have been lots of tributes to what a great climber Michelle was, but I think the great tragedy, to me, was what a great climber she was going to be. At our Moonboard sessions she was not the strongest climber there, but that wouldn't stop her from getting on the hardest problems anyone was working on. Seeing that kind of ambition and energy every day, I knew she was going to be so strong.

Reading all of these tributes I realize what a small fraction of Michelle I knew, that there was so much to her and her life. However even the small fraction I knew was a dramatically effervescent person.

Too few steps...Born unto this world, ones journey begins. Your path of life, unknown. Each step taken, was if she knew her stride was destined to reach far and wide. Michelle's love and zest for life had her on many trails, letting nothing stop her. she experienced more in her 22 years than others could fathom. Fitting that her journeys end was doing something that she loved. You'll be missed!

I met Michelle in DC at the climbing gym. We didn’t know each other very well but we shared some climb together. I’m really saddened to hear what happened, Michelle was a joyful and positive person always passing on a strong commitment towards one’s own goal, which is, I think, a true climber merit. In spite of this sadness, I consider myself lucky to have met her, I’ll remember her with very positive thoughts and I’ll bring with me the memory of her permanently. When I’m alone and I remember her it’s like she’s present, that’s maybe because she left something impressive. My thoughts go also to the family, very proved by this event, I hope that Michelle will show them the right path as usual. Next climb will be for Michelle.

Last week, I lost one of my best friends. It took me a while to sit down and write this, and honestly I don’t feel ready to do so, but another part of me is desperate to at least try to put into words just a part of how much Michelle meant to me. 

I think for starters, there will never be another person in this life who loved puns as much as I do, and even more, could out-pun me with ease. Where I ran out, Michelle was just beginning. Most people simply tolerate the punny jokes I send them, Michelle honest to God LOVED them. She was in my phone for the entire time I knew her as “Meee Shell” based on a stupid joke I told her when we first met.

Michelle loved climbing, and when you have a friend that has found that passion, it is inspiring to be around. I distinctly remember the first time she invited me climbing. We were leaving school early after IQuest, and she had talked about it that day and I had shyly asked if I could join her. The answer was obvious “DUDE OF COURSE!”. I love the way Michelle talked, the overuse of dude and man and odd uses of other words were just classic Michelle. I have a picture after she made me climb 31 routes that is captioned, “we are not tired, just dormant”. That is not the right use of that word, but it doesn’t matter. Every time I eat baby carrots, I will think of her, because for some reason that was our signature snack. She always brought me baby carrots. We had some random discussion where we decided that the meaning of life was baby carrots, and baby carrots were made of chalk, the most important substance in the world. Does this make sense? Not at all. I don’t even remember how we arrived at this conclusion, but that was just how her mind worked. Nothing was off limits. No thought too bizarre, no action too crazy, she embraced everything and took it in stride. For example, I’d say it normally takes a certain level of time and kinship for me to bust out singing in the car, but with her there was no time to waste. From our very first drive together we jammed to those 2000 hits like it was nobody’s business. Her energy instantly put you at ease. 

Michelle came on our family white water rafting trip one year, and that trip holds some of my favorite memories. We had been friends for a while, but she really didn’t know my family, but that didn’t matter. She was instantly a part of it. I remember her randomly jumping out of the raft because she HAD to climb that rock. There were little holds put on the underside of a bridge and you bet she climbed it. It was one of those things that was wired into her DNA, and I love that about her. 

I always said Michelle was the friend I needed, she pushed me to do things I otherwise would not have. Everyone that knew her seems to have some story where she called you up and told you about the crazy spontaneous adventure that you were going on the next day, something absurd like a 1 day Half Dome trip... That’s right, we hiked Half Dome in one 24 hour period, and I never would have done that without her pushing me. We drove 4 hours, slept in the car for an hour, proceeded to try to find Alex by wandering around (with no cell signal) to nap in her yurt for a bit, got up at midnight, hiked until 6 am (getting lost for an hour at 3 am in the process), made it to the top of the cables for sunrise, had a dance party, hiked back down, and drove home. Mind you she drove both ways too. To this day it is easily one of the greatest experiences of my life, and I will forever have her to thank for that. 

When we did that hike, the day she picked me up she brought me one of the biggest burritos ever. She proceeded to carry her burrito all the way to the top specifically as a summit celebration. Unknown to Alex and myself, who had packed things like protein bars and trail mix and other light things, she also hauled up something like six apples, in case we each wanted two. She loved food and no memory of Michelle is complete without stopping at some little hole in the wall Mexican place. In almost every picture I have of her she is eating, or then pretending she isn’t eating in the next picture. But even when I was really watching my diet, she was the most accommodating person ever, finding the most awesome and unique places that still fit my needs. She always took care of her friends, even if it was often by trying to overfeed them.

But like I said, she pushed me. When I was going through a tough time and was very shut off from everyone, she was the only friend I saw that year, simply because telling her no wasn’t an option. We were to go on an adventure, end of story. The only two times I ever parallel parked in my life were with her, once in Berkeley and once in DC. A smart car pulled out in DC and she told me with great conviction that that was where I was about to park my Honda civic… they say we are only limited by our mind, and her mind was truly limitless. I never understood how she did it. It seemed like she hardly attended high school (too many adventures to be had!), and still had the best grades ever. She did so much, and still managed to be the leader of a million clubs AND wake up at 5 am to go to the gym. I have never met anyone that had her energy. For anyone that didn’t know her, she climbed in over twenty countries, half the time just as a solo traveler. She was truly one of the most incredible people I have ever met and here I am failing miserably trying to capture how amazing she was with words alone. 

She had no fear, everything was an adventure. I remember one time we went out paddle boarding and as we lay out in the middle of the bay, we realized that we had both read an article about lifeguard training being cancelled in Santa Cruz due to a great white shark sighting. Realizing this was only perhaps an hour swim or so from our seal-like paddleboards’ location, she started laughing, delighting in this possibility.

These are just a few of my favorite memories of her. She met so many people and touched so many lives, and I feel lucky to have been one of those people. She will live on forever in these memories. My heart goes out to her family and friends.

I try to find peace in the fact that she loved to climb so much, so I think if she had to go out early, that she was at least doing what she loved. I also hope with all my heart that she would think of it like Albus Dumbeldore who said, “To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.” Michelle, I hope you are out there experiencing whatever that next great adventure is. Regardless of the different beliefs about the universe, I feel that maybe she was blessed with this energy for life because she didn’t get as much time, and had to fit in as much as she possibly could. I don’t think she ever wasted a day, and that is truly incredible. I think most people wish they could live like Michelle did. My heart breaks knowing I will never see her pop up on my caller ID, or that she will never again hack into my Google calendar to plan trips that she wouldn’t tell me about, but just wait and assume that if it was in my calendar that I was committed. I hope the memory of her saying “DUDE, you are like living your dream man, and that is AWESOME” will forever remind me to appreciate the moment I am in.

So in this way, I will let her memory and her spirit inspire and push me to do more than I normally would. I hope to let her love for food inspire me to cook more, her love for travel push me to make the drive that might just be out of my comfort zone, and to ALWAYS, climb that rock.

Michelle, we love you, and we will forever miss you.

I didn't have the fortune to know Michelle but share her love of the mountains and the outdoors. In a way all of us are connected physically and spiritually on this earth. Her life stories have certainly touched my life. Will carry a piece of her energy with me as I live everyday as a gift. 

A complete tragedy and such a loss to all that new her. Michelle stayed with us a few days on her couple of visits to Queensland. Such a inspiring and beautiful young lady that was so full of life. She fitted into our family, helped with cooking and made an amazing guacamole. Always a smile on her face and ready for the next adventure. Michelle you are hugely missed by us and and will forever be fondly remembered. Our deepest condolences to her family and friends.

Rest in Peace Michelle.

I don't know you but I have a friend @gladys who is a friend of your parents. You are about the same generation as my daughter, what a pity. Even just one picture on the right top corner, I can feel you your energy and love, the love to nature and to the society. My wife and daughter are both nature lovers, my wife is a gardener and my daughter has dedicated herself to marine animals. I hope you can encourage them and more others. Thank you.
Yule Show, Pasadena, CA

Although I only knew her for a short time, I was blessed with Michelle as a roommate. My story is not one of conquering mountains, or traveling great distances as hers was, but we both started new jobs and the hectic post-university new beginnings at the same time. This is how she lived. Never before could I have realized the extent I would care for and respect someone so greatly, so fast. Even now as I write, my ears perk at the sound of passing vehicles, expectant still for this gear-clad adventurer to thunder up the stairs and announce her triumphant completion of another endeavor.  The deep chasm that has enveloped my soul and sent such a spiral of misery through my heart as to knock me to my knees, has been bested only by the memories of her vibrant spirit and her immense love of living this life to its utmost exploit. Only now do I realize the incalculable impact her presence reverberated throughout the globe (though I was not surprised). I hold fast to the gifts she bestowed upon those she strove to show grace and bestow her kind heart; and her love of adventure. 

I met Michelle for the first time in early August, 2019, and the only regret that I have is not meeting her sooner. Newcomers to the bustling hub of Los Angeles, Michelle, Thomas, Adam, and I, all armed with naught but eagerness, new professions, and a desire to dwell along the endless California beaches marked our intertwining destinies. Beginning merely as housemates, our kindred rapidly blossomed into a mutual feeling of family, safety, and respect; which was exactly what I needed as a green kid, who was born on the plains. Adventurers three, we men only dreamed of a good fee for our rooms and a view of the beach. It wasn’t until the arrival of our fourth, the adventurous Michelle, that our bonds fully morphed into a caring family. 

Michelle wasn’t one to introduce herself through normal means. I received a call one warm August night while she was completing her mountaineering spree in Canada, finishing up a world-wide trek of proportions that I’m still to this day attempting to wrap my head around. Recently graduating of university myself, we quickly discovered many similarities and a love of the outdoors. Being born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, she found humor in this wide eyed kid’s disbelief that every morning a short walk was all to take down to the beach. Or if one so desired to climb, climb you could throughout seemingly endless mountain peaks within an hour’s drive! That’s something never before had I known, and something that Michelle absolutely lived for. 

When we first spoke, she had “accidentally” called me after midnight. Perusing available apartments online, she had found our house in Manhattan Beach and “just felt like it was right.” With a view of the ocean, a wonderful beach, and within her preferred area (but mostly because it was close to the beach), she signed the lease almost immediately! Michelle was the kind of person who goes with their gut feeling, and never doubts a decision once made. Roommates already, Adam, Thomas, and I were able to meet her the night she moved in and share stories while in view of the bay, and it was like we’d known each other all our lives. The kind of person who you could meet in a day, and feel like you’d been friends with for years, her joy and energy profoundly impacted us from day one. 

Although she had traveled to more countries than any of us could name offhand, she never rubbed it in anyone’s face. Her many adventures were just cool things that she’d done, and she constantly encouraged those around her to “just get out there.” After being in LA for all of 2 days, she packed up and went climbing in Joshua Tree with some friends and was absolutely exhausted when she returned late Sunday evening; so of course she was up at 4:30am the next morning surfing. 

The night she returned I had cooked one of my favorite meals, beef and broccoli with basmati rice, for her and Adam, who had only been living with us for a couple weeks at the time. As a kind of welcome dinner (Thomas was out of town), we realized cooking was a love we shared as well. At last we were all stuffed to the brim…so of course she went back to the kitchen for seconds, and thirds, and then finished off the rest by pouring all the remaining rice into my wok and downing every last bit that was left; and then she made cookies. Amazed, I just sat back and watched while she exclaimed “don’t judge me, it’s just really good.” That night I began referring to her as my “Spirit Animal.” I had known her for all of a week, and was overwhelmed at how she would pursue something with every fiber of her body, for no other reason than a shrug, a smirk, and “It’s pretty cool, ya know?”

Over the days and weeks, we began cooking together and she showed me many of tips and tricks that she had learned from her mother; how to cook veggies quickly and full of flavor, what the best cooking wine was, our mutual love for Asian cuisine and Asian food markets, and how simple it can be to make a complete meal consisting of four or five different dishes all in about half an hour; although she usually overcooked the eggs. We became family. On the eve of her first company training in Washington DC, Adam and I stayed up with her watching “Stranger Things” till about 4:00am, with her flight leaving at 5:30 and she had yet to begin packing. “I’ve got TSA precheck, no problem.” She said as she threw her suitcase together…”I have plenty of time.” 

She had a way of seeing the little things, those small details that mean so much to a person, but are often overlooked. She would catch even my worst puns, and appreciated my “small town” humor and how I saw the world, usually with a slight eye roll, but always joyfully; her laughter and jovial attitude removing any unhappiness or gloom. 

She only knew how to encourage, and see the positives in a person. As we became closer, we realized the similarities in humor that we all shared. Adam, Michelle, and I would stay up for hours just talking about life, our hopes and dreams, and then we began making plans for trips that we were going to take together as a “family” in the spring; though after going on a 20 mile day hike up a mountain with her, Adam may have been slightly less enthusiastic about them.  Those seemingly easy “quick jaunts,” “short treks” and “single day activities” held so much more weight and challenge to us mere common folk than I could ever realize, and her boundless energy and uncanny stride would leave anyone not jogging in a wake of disappointment. 

Always bringing those whom she loved together, Michelle, her best friend Emily, Adam and I stayed up late together cracking jokes and laughing together for hours. We traveled together through LA, trying new and different restaurants, and foods that we’d never even heard of. She introduced us to new types of Sushi, Korean BBQ, Dim Sum, and something else she loved, red bean cakes. If you’ve never had one, try it. They’ll change your life. She laughed so hard at seeing Adam and I take our first bites of the…interesting delicacies…that she fell to the floor with laughter. Whilst awaiting for a reservation at an amazing Korean BBQ, we happened upon a French bakery and thusly pounced upon some innocent macarons. The simple memories are what I hold dearest, just enjoying each other company. Harshly then interrupted by the signal that our table was ready, off she trotted. If there was any doubt in my mind that the small stature of one Michelle Xue was held back by anything in this world, they were immediately dashed. Her speed and determination were unequaled, a sight to behold. Her three companions did all we could just to keep up, and failed. 

She constantly spoke of her family. Looking forward to an upcoming trip to Japan, she told us about her parents, and her brother. She would glow as she regaled tales of what they had done together, where they had traveled, and their accomplishments. Family was always near and dear to her heart.

Michelle was patient and kind. Throughout everything she had accomplished, everywhere she had gone, and all the amazing things that she had done, none of them got in the way of her sharing with our love of adventure (even if slightly less impressive). She taught me how to surf; patiently. And I mean patiently. Every time I made positive strides, she was just as excited as I was, but at the same time, she was encouraging when I fell or couldn’t hold onto a wave. Like a master instructor, she took the time to guide and explain the more difficult arts in detail.

There was never a sad moment. No matter if we were having a rough day, rough week, or just struggling with something, she cared. She would listen intently, offer a kind word, and talk it through with you.

She wasn’t perfect: She would use my bathroom without asking; and I would find her hair everywhere. 

She used up the last of my laundry detergent.

When she baked banana bread, many times it would overflow the bread pan and spill all over the oven; but I didn’t mind cleaning it up. Having found me cleaning the oven, with her affectionate smile she would offer to bake me more banana bread as payment. 

She took my parking place. In retribution I would park behind her and block her in…but looking back that wasn’t very smart, as she was often up before 5am going climbing, surfing, or to run before work, and she’d have to wake me up to move my car. 

She would eat my food, constantly. But I didn’t mind. I love strawberries, almost more than life itself; and I found out through much frustration, so does she. It was only after I had sliced them and placed them in the fridge for later that those forbidden fruits disappeared at an alarming rate. I began buying extra amounts of strawberries, and prepared more than I needed because I knew – some would go missing; besides, she made banana bread!

She made rules for the house, after cleaning the floor, no shoes were allowed anywhere except the front door; but when she would get home from a climbing expedition, she would track dirt all over the house.

When she was bored, or we were planning on going somewhere and I wasn’t ready yet, she would call me on my phone and complain, telling me to hurry up and get downstairs. In fact, she was definitely an attention junkie and didn’t like being left alone if she could help it. She was also thoughtful and gregarious – the life of the party, making sure that everyone felt welcome. I was woken up during many naps, “because it’s too late to be naptime, you won’t be able to sleep tonight, so get down here and hang out with me!” But I didn’t mind. In fact, I looked forward to those times the most. It was when we were all groggy, tired, and halfway delusional that we could be ourselves and relax. 

As we all grew in friendship and a mutual love for adventure, she became the mother of the group. We had community meals often, and one particular meal stands out. A full course meal consisting of pork loin, mashed potatoes, pan fried spinach, croissants, and brownies for desert. With a mutual love for cooking, Thomas, Adam, Michelle and I all pitched in together, laughing and cooking on a hot September night with not a care in the world. As our first true meal, Michelle and Adam had scored a table on craigslist earlier that day, it was now fully set and we dined like royals. With a view over our balcony of the ocean, it was truly a night to remember. Together we had been watching Stranger Things almost every night, one episode at a time. Quickly becoming a ritual, we all looked forward to it and continued to build a strong bond of family together. After work every night, we would come together with the days happenings and relax. We could talk about anything, and the air of community made our varying worries and fears subside. The first major move that not only I, but Adam as well, had made from our home states outward into the crazy world of professionalism, were made more worthwhile than I could ever have imagined.

Michelle loved climbing, cycling, surfing, running, basically anything exciting that you can think of, and could plan out an extended trip overnight. At the same time, she made you feel welcome and important. Some days she would just decide to take a trip and leave for a couple hours, only for you to find out that she had just hiked one of the most difficult trails in California, or that she’d just been climbing with some people she met at a party 4 years ago and happened to see at the grocery store, or had taken a detour to some unheard of rocks while catching up with some climbing buddies from Georgetown University, or was going to be meeting up with a random team who were going for a quick trek to somewhere she’d always wanted to go. Above all else though, I think that the things Michelle treasured most was her family and friends. Being raised by her parents to pursue what she loved, and to never doubt herself, she would speak lovingly of her mother, father, and brother; always with a glint in her eye and her face aglow. No matter what trip she was planning, or where she was going, seeing her family and catching up with friends was at the top of the list, and always on her mind. Michelle was the greatest part about moving to Los Angeles, and I never could have dreamed of meeting someone so inspiring, encouraging, and full of life. Though she was young at the age of 22, she had seen the world. Michelle was an old soul, and even through seeing pain and difficulty, only looked to the future with excitement and eagerness for the next adventure that life might hold. She was the kind of person that only comes along once in a thousand generations, but never counted herself above others and the memories I have of her I will carry with me wherever I go. As all Spirit Animals, Michelle is now free and will be pushing me to do more, be a better person, and never accept the status quo.  As much as I can ever do to emulate my Spirit Animal, I don’t think I will ever be able to match her walking speed.

Despite Michelle and I being at the same company event a few weeks ago, I did not get the pleasure of meeting her. However, I heard of her for the two days of the event as she made quite an impression on all those she interacted with. 
Her energy and positive initiative seemed contagious. It has already set wheels in motion for empowered female leadership and for that, I will always be grateful for Michelle and her determination. 
She seemed like a wonderful person.

When I worked with Michelle in high school, she was self-aware, passionate about climate action, creative, and had an age-less quality when engaging with everyone. Michelle was delightfully comfortable with herself pulling people toward her inner bright light. She was the inspiration for creating a sustainability assistant at the SunPower solar energy academy, as she was the first person I hired to fill this role. She impressed me so much that we asked her to be part of our solar academy video, still linked on our website. She continues to inspire us to be kinder, bolder and intentional with our lives. You are loved, Michelle. 
Renee Solari

I first met Michelle when she was 4 years old and both her family and my family were moving to our new homes next to each other on Talus Court.
She was such a cute little girl and so full of energy. A lot of energy!!

If I was outside working in the front yard she would come over to see if
she could help, always with a smile on her face. She and I did a number of things together. When she was older, I told her that I had used her to
practice being a grandmother. She would laugh, but it was true. I later had 4 grandsons of my own and have enjoyed them as much as I enjoyed her.

When she was old enough to work in the kitchen she was always bringing us amazing baked goods. I would ask her where she got the recipe and she would reply "the Internet but, I didn't follow the recipe exactly". She always added this or that but everything she made was really tasty.

Michelle and her Mom and I would always find time to get together to celebrate Birthdays and Christmas. It was always a good time to catch up on what Michelle was up to and what future adventures she had planned. 

She was wise beyond her years, beautiful, strong, talented, gracious and just plain amazing. I will miss her dearly.

IT IS NOT THE LENGTH OF LIFE, BUT THE DEPTH OF LIFE
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1883)

I was so fortunate to have Michelle as my student in French at Cal High. She was an extraordinary student and person, brimming with light and enthusiasm about learning and living life to the fullest. She was such a loving, caring soul and her loss is a true tragedy to everyone who knew her, and for those who will not get to know her. Adieu, Michelle. Que tu trouves toujours de belles montagnes.

My memories of Michelle are brief, but they left an impression.

As I was leaving Georgetown, I helped with a climbing pre-orientation trip for incoming Freshman, which Michelle was on. I hung out with the group a little and as Michelle was quite advanced already, worked with her individually on anchors at Great Falls. She had a wonderfully open mind which had already allowed her to develop a wide breadth and depth of climbing knowledge. I was most impressed with the alacrity and love she pursued towards climbing's different aspects. I imagine this earnest devotion to the craft paralleled how she lived her entire life, certainly it sounds like, to her friends.

This is terribly sad and unsettling; we are much poorer for this too-early-end of her story. I hope her family and friends are able to find a cognitive route through this all. Kind and friendly people I have met are what makes my own life rich and I am grateful for Michelle adding a treasure to it. The world is better because she lived the way she did.

I met Michelle last winter while ice climbing with my friend Vitaliy, and even before offering us a slice of homemade cake and cookies we instantly hit it off. She was also going to Patagonia, and we all ended up living together for almost two months that season.

Unfortunately, Michelle rolled an ankle on her second day there, so when Vitaliy and I needed a tent for an attempt to climb Cerro Torre she generously let us borrow hers. When I returned almost a week later in the middle of the night with frostbitten feet she was ready and waiting with a much needed delicious meal. From then on we became good friends while everyone else was off climbing.

Her enthusiasm and positivity were infectious. Cooking was one of her endless talents - she introduced me to kabocha squash (a total game-changer). I’m pretty sure she even taught Vitaliy how to cook eggs. Before “summer camp” was over, she took the time to paint each of her friends a personalized watercolor painting.

Always putting her friends first and bursting with energy to tackle any adventure or challenge, what a beautiful person! Michelle had many skills, but it’s a rare talent to bring out the best in everyone that you encounter. I’m so incredibly grateful for the time that we shared.

My family loved Michelle so much. We know her from her attendance at my open houses at Georgetown University when I served as a Chaplain in Residence. She lit up the room with her smile, her voice, and her inspirational climbing stories. She was so good at welcoming everyone. We were always so thankful for her presence when she attended. My girls (Wren (7), Cedar (6), Ozette (3)) were mesmerized by her climbing stories and pictures. Before they met Michelle they didn't know girls could climb mountains. We are terribly sad to hear that she is gone, and our hearts are with her close friends and family.

Michelle and I met while working at a Sunpower solar science academy in 2016, and we had kept in contact ever since. We bonded over our mutual love for nature, and always spent our time together outdoors -- either through hiking or climbing. I've always been incredibly impressed by Michelle's thoughtful, optimistic perspective on life. Her emotional maturity and peaceful demeanor were so unique and so rare.

Michelle, I feel so privileged to have met you. You'll always be a source of inspiration to me.

I met Michelle in Hawai'i. We kept in contact and I visited her during my first trip to mainland. She was a very kind and wonderful person and an extremely passionate and strong climber. We shared a very memorable highlining trip to Yosemite. I remember her with best thoughts.

Michelle was an amazing friend and an inspiration for us all. She always had ideas for new projects to pursue and places to see. Just this past summer, she reached out about planning a trip to travel together.

Michelle was by far one of the most uplifting and motivating people that I knew. Regardless of the situation, she always found an opportunity to be upbeat about the opportunities that life had provided us. I remember one time when we went on a retreat together and she convinced the group to go on a hike together early in the morning to enjoy all the nature around us. More recently, we were discussing our current situations. While I was complaining about work that I had to do, she pointed out the amazing learning opportunities that I had studying in a foreign country. Her contagious optimism and eagerness to explore the world will be greatly missed!! My heart is with her family and friends.

I miss you so so much Michelle!!

She was a great person and a talented climber and I’m really glad I had a chance to get to know her through the WFR class in January 2019. She came and visited Hawaii and we hiked and surfed and her smile never faded. Thank you Michelle for getting me stoked on rock climbing and for pursuing your dreams, it inspired me quite a bit. So glad our paths crossed.

Michelle was my climbing partner and instantaneous friend. I think this was the case with everyone she met. We really bonded on an idiotic ice climbing adventure in late March which took us from DC to the Catskills and back in under 24 hours. While there was little climbable ice, the trail to it was buried in several feet of snow. Alex and I tortuously posthold our way in circles looking for a climb, only to look back and see teeny Michelle having to swim through our wake. In the end, we think we climbed up the snow covered ice route unknowingly during one of our many circles. Undeterred by our lack of climbing and our aerobically intense snow hike/swim, Michelle’s stoke level always stayed at 11. That contagious stoke and love for life, I’ll sorely miss.

I first met Michelle when she was a student at Cal High where I teach, then eventually we worked together at REI, and I also knew her as a climbing partner. Michelle was a person who could light up a room. She had a contagious energy, and the uncanny ability to bring joy to any situation. I always wondered how she had the energy to fit so many things into any given day and not run out of steam. If adventure was there to be had, Michelle was there for it. She was the walking embodiment of what it meant to "live your dreams". Michelle was an inspiration to me, and I'm so grateful to have known her.

Michelle and I met on a 100 kilometer day hike from DC to Harpers Ferry in April 2016. We decided to partner up a couple miles in and I'm forever grateful for that day. On that hike I was incredibly impressed by her will, strength, and attitude. She had an engine that burned stronger than anyone I've met before. The important thing was that she was able to share this with others and help them become stronger. With her support during the hike, she made the last dozen miles possible. I will always remember her light and her fire and know that she has helped light so many other peoples lives and outdoor passions. All of us in the Georgetown climbing community are thankful for her and cherish the time we had with Michelle.

I had the opportunity to both teach and work with Michelle (at California High School and at SunPower). She was not only one of the most brilliant people I have ever had the opportunity to know but she was a tremendously caring person. There was never any arrogance about Michelle. She was amazing about checking in and cared so much for those around her. Her heart shone so very bright and touched so many people. There is a big hole in my own heart but I honor Michelle for her spirit, her perseverance, her dedication and above all, her humanity!

I miss you SO much Michelle!

Michelle was one of my most favorite students in my decades at Georgetown. Vibrant, brilliant, creative. We have lost a wonderful person, someone with endless possibilities. Today is a sad day.

Michelle was brilliant and bold. We climbed together in DC and when she was cruising through Montana this summer, she did not forget and made a detour so we could grab burritos, share stories, and catch up. Her spirit was like a fire that lit a room. I was supposed to climb with her in Red Rocks next week and I know I'll be missing her there especially. My entire heart is with her family and friends.

Michelle joined our team for a summer internship in 2018. Michelle was full of life and always looking for an adventure. She had an intense passion for the mountains and she would squeeze in an adventure into every spare moment of her time. She was eager, quick to learn, and she lived every day of her life fully. We were lucky to get to know her for that summer. She will be dearly missed by the team.

With love,
Maggie, Sean, Logan, Sam, Adrian, Aaron