Have you ever watched those documentaries about expeditions to Mount Everest? Although quite dramatic, it’s a great metaphor for life. Nervous, excited, not knowing how each day will pan out. Life is quite the adventure. While climbing Everest, every team needs to have a local sherpa to navigate the mountain.
That’s D.J. (also known as smeej).
Who is Smeej?
D.J. is the manager at On The Rocks climbing gym. Originally from a small village near the gym, called Birmingham, he is a small town guy who has traveled the world and achieved incredible feats. His accomplishments range from running ultra-marathons to learning a second language. Notably, he played collegiate soccer, and biked from Vancouver to Mexico in the span of 28 days!
D.J. has an old (yet forever young) soul. Not only does he have wisdom about the terrain, but also a smile that simply inspires you to keep going. He encourages you to shift your perspective on life, and gently, genuinely guides your approach.
Climbing Experience
His first climbing experience was in 2009, in Colorado, during which time he was working as a teacher in the local schools. One day, one of his friends invited him and other colleagues to go climbing near Glenwood Springs. Later, in 2012, he caught “the bug” when he went climbing with a friend in Kendall Cliffs (in the middle of a training session for long-distance biking!). Since then, he’s had many memorable climbing experiences. He recalled a particularly adrenaline-packed adventure in Wolf Rock, Oregon. Additionally he remembers climbing a multi-pitch route at Smith Rock, Oregon with an “indispensable” guide; as well as scaling cliffs in Promontory, California, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean. He’s also made an abundance of memories right here at On The Rocks.
Sports have always been a big part of smeej’s life. Over the years he's participated in soccer, basketball, judo, football, hockey, track, and other endurance sports. “What I love about sports are the life lessons you can draw from them,” he notes. He says that climbing is another arrow in the quiver, and it has taught him a great deal about facing fears and bravery, and has made him appreciate the value of hard work and perseverance. More importantly it taught him that “the fall is rarely as bad as it seems.”
Professional Background
Something that might surprise people is that D.J. was a Spanish/ESL teacher for over 10 years. He began working at On The Rocks when he finished his last school year in 2019. Shortly after starting to work at the gym, he was offered the manager position. While there are many components to balance managing the climbing gym, D.J. says that his previous experience as a teacher has cemented his planning and organizational skills. For him, teaching also magnified his ability to empathize with people from all different backgrounds. What keeps him motivated is the satisfaction of a job well-done, not only at work, but in all aspects of life. He also takes pride in doing his part to try and keep the gym running well and providing a space that supplies a lot of joy and community.
D.J., even though he has left the teaching profession, will be a lifelong teacher. Thank you, D.J., for encouraging us all to climb to new heights and for giving us the opportunity to do what we love!
D.J.’s Recommended Reading List:
“1(a” by E.E. Cummings
“Player Piano” by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
“Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins
“Red Rising” series by Pierce Brown
“Confederacy of Dunces” by John Kennedy Toole