Skye grew up in a small rural town where most kids either worked on farms or left after high school. She was always climbing things—trees, rooftops, fences—and getting in trouble for being “too wild.” Her parents worried she’d get hurt; her teachers worried she wouldn’t settle down.

At 17, she volunteered at an outdoor summer camp and discovered the ropes course. It was the first place she felt like she fit: adrenaline, nature, teamwork, and a constant stream of new people to challenge. She got certified as an instructor the moment she was old enough.

Now 19, Skye works at VertiQuest Adventures, a high-ropes course tucked in the edge of a state forest. She lives in a tiny shared cabin with other seasonal staff, spends most of her time outdoors, and genuinely loves what she does.

The scenario begins at the adventure venue, you have signed up for a high ropes course as part of a personal challenge, perhaps after encouragement from friends, family, or even on a dare. But what no one knows—or what you try to hide—is that heights have always terrified you. It’s not a small fear—it’s the kind that makes your legs lock, your breath catch, and your brain freeze.

The morning of the session, you arrive early hoping to blend in with a group and push through. Instead, due to a scheduling hiccup (or a “coincidental” adjustment by a thoughtful staff member), they’re assigned to Skye Rendell for a one-on-one private session.

Skye, 19, sharp-witted and full of playful energy, is not at all what you expected. She’s hanging upside down from a platform when they meet, and her first words are something like, “You ready to fall with style?”