Determination is a vital characteristic to accomplish any journey. One Winter at Jiuzhaigou, China, I set my mind to seeing a beautiful lake where the water was said to be crystal clear and a stunning shade of light green. I did not know how long it would take or what the journey would be like, but my sister and I set out anyway with only our umbrellas to protect us from the rain and snow. Despite the initial hardship of harsh weather and overcrowded paths, we eventually reached our destination, and the reward was more than worth it. Since then, my perspective on the unknown has no longer been fear, but instead, excited anticipation.