On Wednesday, November 27, world-renowned adventurer, alpinist, and author Mostafa Salameh spoke before the King’s Academy community in the Abdul Majeed Shoman Auditorium. Salameh is the first Jordanian, the first Arab, and one of a small number of elite climbers to reach the peaks of The  Seven Summits — the tallest mountains on each continent. He has also reached both the South Pole and the North Pole, becoming one of only 20 people ever to achieve this feat known as the Grand Slam. Finally, he is a dedicated humanitarian and the author of a number of books, including Dreams of a Refugee, an autobiography that documents his bravery, perseverance and faith.

He spoke of climbing and travelling across vast frozen spaces, but ultimately he delivered an inspiring message about education, determination, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.

One of 10 children born and raised in Jordan’s Palestinian refugee camp of Al Wehdat, Mr. Salameh could not pursue a university education. However, his singular determination and relentless work ethic enabled him to achieve a remarkable series of successes. Having met an English diplomat, he moved to London at the age of 19 and soon became a dishwasher in a popular restaurant. With his introduction to the hospitality industry arose his dream of becoming a general manager in a hotel, and he steadily rose in the ranks, all the while sending 50% of his earnings to his family in Jordan. He became a waiter for 5 years, teaching himself English along the way, and finally found himself the assistant general manager of a five-star hotel.  However, he longed to travel the world--so he took a break, never to return to the business world. While travelling, he had a dream of praying for peace atop Mt. Everest, and he decided that he must get there one day.

Salameh admits that when he first started out, he knew nothing about climbing, was not athletic, and wasn’t even sure where Mt. Everest was. But fascinated by climbing and climbers, he set out to educate himself about everything related to mountains and mountaineering.  And he began climbing everything in sight.  As he honed his skills by climbing smaller mountains, he learned of the formidable cost of an Everest ascent and began to seek support for an attempt on the mountain of his dream.

Although Salameh described his first major expedition as “terrible” due to his lack of experience, he learned valuable lessons that held him in good stead for future expeditions. He persevered “II take lots of risks, but I take calculated risks. I train so well. I learn about everything I need to know, I read all the books. I study everything before I go, so there are no surprises,” Salameh said. “You need to be prepared both physically and mentally. Look after your body and make sure there are no doubts in your mind.”

In time, an article he wrote attracted the attention of His Majesty King Abdullah and the Royal Court, who found his determination and energy inspiring. The Court issued a challenge.: if he could first summit Mt. Denali, North America’s highest mountain, they would support his Mt. Everest expedition. To no one’s surprise, he did just that.

“How I ended up standing at the top of North America I have no idea,” Salameh said. “But I knew this would be a turning point for the rest of my life. I climbed it, everyone was happy, and the sponsorships started coming.”

Finally, in 2005 he set out for the summit of Everest, only to have to abandon the attempt when health issues made it impossible to continue.  A failed second attempt only increased his passion, and he vowed to return as many times as he had to. In 2008 he returned, and on the 25^th of he May reached the summit where he planted the Jordanian flag and proudly called King Abdullah by telephone.

Salameh stressed that in addition to determination, meticulous preparation, and extraordinary physical fitness, a successful climb relies on teamwork.

“Without the Sherpa guides I would never have made it to the top of Everest,” he said. “No one can make it without teamwork. Teamwork starts at home with your mom and dad, your brother and sister, it starts with your school and your teachers and colleagues. The reward is so much better when you do something as a team.” His Sherpa companion on the Everest climb remains one of his best friends to this day and together they have made many ascents.

Salameh’s videos documenting the stages of the ascent of Everest and his trek across Antarctica vividly revealed the incredible challenges of a 72-day assault on Everest and a 65-day trek towing a cumbersome sled through a frozen world. The images of him praying on the summit of Everest are singularly inspiring.

These days, Salameh’s passion for climbing remains, but he devotes more his time to serving others. He has raised millions of dollars for Palestinians and Jordanians, especially relief for Gaza, and millions more for cancer research.  He founded a hugely successful organization called "Lowest Point to Highest Point for Cancer" where groups, one consisting of 20 Jordanians, have reached the summit 39 times thus far. Salameh is also excited to be working on outdoor education initiatives in which he hopes to raise awareness about the importance of outdoor activities for youth as well as to inspire them to follow their dreams.  Today, he is preparing for his "777 for Palestine World Marathon Challenge" in which he will run 7 marathons in seven days in seven different countries.

The King’s community was privileged to hear from a remarkable man—a man who has defied the longest of odd from the moment he was born, a man who tenaciously pursues his dreams, but man who will never rest on his laurels. While speaking of how to climb a mountain, he delivered a powerful message to our students about how to live their lives.  Simply put: Never give up—find your personal Everest and don’t give up.”

Salameh plans to climb K-2, the world’s most challenging mountain, when he reaches the age of sixty in six years. If you heard him speak on Wednesday, you know he will get there.