Living to the Extreme at 18

by Kalli Morris

Certain birthdays are special milestones in people’s lives, from the exciting sweet 16 to the golden year of turning 18 and being recognized as an adult all are a great reason to celebrate. But 18 particularly lets one venture out and have lots of new opportunities from voting, to even joining the military, a lot of new doors open up. But straying far away from the usual of going out and being able to buy lottery tickets or getting a tattoo, two students celebrated theirs to the extreme. Kathryn Rensing and Shelby Cusick both pondered around what they could do to celebrate their big day. And what they came up with might come as surprise since both ladies suffer from Acrophobia, fear of heights, but they decided to go on a hot air balloon ride and skydiving. They didn't let their fear of heights stop them from living on the edge.

Kathryn Rensing discovered that skydiving was something she could do to celebrate her big day, so with her sister by her side she prepared for an opportunity of a lifetime. She went to Gateway Skydiving in Greenville, Illinois which is only about a forty five minute drive from Mascoutah. When one first arrive, at the facility Kathryn explains you have to watch an informational video and then sign a contract and after that you go take off in your plane. Kathryn who is afraid of heights explains that, “the scariest part of the whole experience was before it happened, the actual jump was exhilarating but before I was petrified!” Knowing that this was something she really wanted to do, she put her fears aside and suited up for the challenge. Kathryn and her sister Megan did what is called a tandem skydive which means the instructor is with you the entire time. She made Megan go first but before she knew it Kathryn was free falling at 120 miles per hour. There was a full minute of just free fall and about three with pulling the parachute and gliding down, at one point Kathryn had to hold the rope to the parachute while her instructor prepared for the landing and she reminisces, “I didn’t know what would happen, I’m just glad I didn’t let go!” While they made their descent down her instructor pointed out some features, like the women’s penitentiary and some other scenic features they saw. Kathryn would love to do it again, but perhaps somewhere more scenic next time. They gracefully stuck their landing, and Kathryn reflects about her experience, “I would encourage everyone to do it; it’s so much fun I am, already looking forward to when I can go again!” While Kathryn courageously jumped out of a plane and fell back to earth, Shelby took a ride up high into the sky in a hot air balloon.

Shelby Cusick went on a cold fall day to her escapade along with her close friend Jamie Killian. While Shelby did the traditional turning 18 events she wanted something more, especially after she attempted to buy a lottery ticket and they didn’t even ask her age. So she discovered Balloons Over the Rainbow in St. Louis, a company that focuses on making your experience memorable. The company had to assemble the balloon to the basket and run tests to make sure the burner, which is the vessel that gives it power works. After it is attached they fill the balloon with cold air because the burner gives it hot air which let the balloon rise and be ready for takeoff. For an hour they glided majestically above in the sky floating over trees, which were especially enchanting due to the fall season and the leaves changing. The ride itself is a peaceful experience but according to Shelby, “It gives you a surge of adrenalin, afterwards I was ready to take on the world.” Besides Shelby and Jamie and the instructor they were accompanied by two older ladies that added excitement to the experience. The highlight of the experience was getting able to actually steer the giant balloon. While Shelby expressed her feelings during the experience, “I really wanted to just jump out of the basket the whole time.” And she got her opportunity, although it was after they landed she had to, “jump out and pull the basket away from power lines that we were headed for.” Thankfully she saved the ending and ensured the safety of all involved. As she came back down to earth she says, “I would love to go again, it’s one of those things that can’t possibly get old because it’s a new experience every time.”

Both girls were able to conquer their fear of heights and celebrate their birthday in an amazing way, as your birthday rolls around contemplate what can you do to live your life to the fullest like Shelby and Kathryn did.