Being born and raised in Dubai has placed 15-year-old Rayyan Patel in a vantage position: “Growing up here has allowed me to connect with both my Indian roots and the international culture around me.” He is a British citizen, calls Dubai his home, remains attached to India (his family is originally from Gujarat), wants to be an investment banker when he “grows up” — and he already sounds wise beyond his years when he equates discipline with building a mindset that the rigor of mountain climbing teaches.

In an exclusive interview with NRIFocus.com, Rayyan tells his inspiring story.

Q: Why did you want to climb Mt Elbrus [at 5,642m above sea level]? A test of endurance — or was there also a more metaphorical take?
A: It was not just about endurance, even though that was a big part of it. I wanted to challenge myself and see how far I could really go. I wanted to test my mindset how I would react when things became really tough. My dad and I chose Mt Elbrus because it is the highest peak in Europe and part of the Seven Summits [the highest mountains on each of the seven continents]. It felt like the right place to begin this journey, with a mountain that carries so much significance.

Q: How did you train for it, and what kept you motivated?
A: I trained for months with cardio, strength sessions and long hikes in the Hajjar Mountains to get used to long days on my feet. Balancing schoolwork with training was not always easy, but being consistent made the difference. The biggest motivation came from training with my dad… we pushed each other through the hard days, and that made me stronger. My family supported me throughout and my school [Hartland International School] encouraged me too, which gave me the confidence to keep going.

Q: Tell us about the journey, and the lessons it taught you. Your dad, Ashfaque, had to turn back, and yet you soldiered on…
A: The climb was the hardest thing I have ever done. The cold winds, the thin air and the endless hours made it very tough. When my dad had to turn back just 150 metres from the summit, it was really difficult because we had started the challenge together and I knew how much it meant to him too. But he told me to continue, and that gave me the strength to push on. I learned that sometimes you have to keep going on your own, even when it feels hard.

Reaching the summit was an unforgettable moment. The view went on forever and I felt proud, relieved and humbled all at the same time. My first thought was that all the training, sacrifice and even the doubts were worth it. I also felt grateful for my family’s support and for the lessons the mountain had taught me, lessons you can never learn in a classroom.

Q: If you had to share a message for the world from atop Mt Elbrus, what would it be?
A: From the summit, the world looks peaceful and far removed from all trouble. My message would be: do not underestimate yourself. Life will always give you challenges, but if you prepare, stay resilient and believe in yourself, you can overcome them. The obstacles do not last forever but the sense of achievement and growth stays with you.

Q: You want to be an investment banker. Do you see a connection between your future career and mountaineering?
A: Yes, I want to pursue a career in investment banking. I enjoy numbers and solving problems and I know it is a career that requires focus, discipline and the ability to perform under pressure. Mountaineering has already started teaching me those qualities as every step on the mountain needs preparation, mental strength and clear decisions even when you are tired. For me, climbing is not just a hobby, it is a way of building the mindset I want to take into my future career. – Sushmita Bose is Consulting Editor, NRIFocus.com