ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — For many young adventurers, taking a gap year means traveling, exploring, or discovering new passions before diving into college life. For Connor White, a 2022 graduate of Bosque School in Albuquerque, that year turned into a life-altering journey across some of the most treacherous mountain ranges in the world — including a near-death experience in the Himalayas.
Now back home, White is using his story to inspire current students at his alma mater. During a special assembly this week, he recounted the unforgettable moment when an avalanche struck his expedition — an event that tested his strength, his leadership, and his will to survive.
A Journey of Ambition and Discovery
After graduating from Bosque, White set his sights on exploring the world’s most challenging peaks. His yearlong expedition took him through rugged terrain in South America, Europe, and Asia. But it was his climb in the Himalayas — the world’s highest mountain range — that would leave the most profound impact.
“I wanted to push my limits,” White told the students. “I thought climbing was about conquering mountains, but what I learned is that the real challenge is understanding your own resilience.”
Also Read – Albuquerque Fire Rescue Launches Program to Prevent Small Fires from Spreading
White joined a multinational climbing team to ascend a remote Himalayan peak. Conditions were harsh — biting winds, thin air, and unpredictable weather. But as the group made camp one night high in the mountains, they had no idea that disaster was about to strike.
A Night of Terror on the Mountain
The avalanche came without warning. What began as an ordinary night in the snow quickly turned into chaos.
“All four of us feel it — this deep, low sound, almost like thunder,” White recalled. “Then the ground just collapses beneath us. It was this massive, audible ‘whoompf,’ and suddenly the tent dropped several feet.”
In seconds, tons of snow buried much of the campsite. The avalanche engulfed 11 climbers, burying some completely.
“Five of us were fully buried, six were partially trapped, and three managed to stay above the snow,” White said. “I was asleep when it happened. I woke up in darkness, unable to move, and I couldn’t tell which way was up.”
Relying on their training, the surviving team members quickly went into rescue mode. Those who weren’t trapped dug frantically through the snow, using their hands and shovels to locate others.
“The air was thin, and every second mattered,” White explained. “We had practiced avalanche response, but when it’s real — when it’s your friends under there — the fear hits differently. You stop thinking about the mountain and just focus on survival.”
After nearly half an hour of digging, all members of the team were found alive. Several suffered frostbite and injuries, but no lives were lost — an outcome that White still calls “a miracle.”
Reflections on Survival and Purpose
Following the avalanche, the group abandoned their summit attempt and made a careful descent to safety. The experience left White deeply reflective.
“I realized how fragile everything is up there,” he said. “Nature doesn’t care how prepared or experienced you are. One second you’re safe, and the next, you’re buried under snow.”
Despite the trauma, White said the ordeal didn’t deter his passion for exploration — it reshaped it. He now emphasizes preparation, humility, and respect for nature’s power. “Mountains aren’t meant to be conquered,” he told the audience. “They’re meant to be experienced — and respected.”
Returning Home to Inspire Others
White’s return to Bosque School was more than a homecoming — it was an opportunity to inspire a new generation of students to embrace adventure responsibly and pursue meaningful experiences after graduation.
His presentation was part of Bosque School’s alumni speaker series, which highlights graduates who are making an impact in diverse fields — from science and business to social work and exploration. The series aims to show students that success after high school can take many forms.
“Connor represents what we hope for all our graduates,” said one of Bosque’s program directors. “He followed his passion with courage, faced adversity, and came back stronger and wiser. His story is about perseverance and purpose — not just adventure.”
Also Read – New Mexico Businesses Affected by Drought Can Still Apply for Federal Loans
White shared photos and videos from his journey — breathtaking shots of icy peaks, base camps, and the frozen expanse where the avalanche hit. But more than the visuals, it was his message of resilience that resonated most.
“I wanted students to see that risk isn’t something to fear,” he said. “It’s something to manage and learn from. Every challenge teaches you who you really are.”
The Power of Experience Beyond the Classroom
White’s story also underscores a growing trend among young graduates — taking gap years to gain real-world experience before college. Studies have shown that students who take structured time off often return to school with greater focus and maturity.
For White, that year of exploration wasn’t about escaping responsibility but about finding direction. “It gave me perspective,” he said. “I learned to live simply, to appreciate teamwork, and to stay calm when everything falls apart — literally.”
Looking Ahead
Today, Connor White continues to climb and hopes to work in environmental education, helping others connect with the outdoors safely. He plans to pursue a degree in environmental science, combining his love for adventure with his commitment to conservation.
As he concluded his talk, White left the students with one final thought: “You don’t have to go to the Himalayas to find your mountain. Whatever challenge you face — in school, in life — meet it with preparation, courage, and curiosity. That’s how you grow.”
For Bosque School, his visit was a reminder of the spirit of exploration that defines its students. For White, it was proof that even the most terrifying experiences can become stories of survival, strength, and purpose.
