The highlight of my one-week vacation on Big Island, Hawaii, was going to the observatory area of the dormant volcano, Mauna Kea. The observatory area’s elevation is so high that it is above cloud level, offering a stunning 360-degree view of clouds. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. But I almost didn’t get to go…

When we arrived, I learned that the road to the observatory area from the visitor center is so steep that only 4×4 cars are allowed to make the drive. Our rental car was unfortunately two-wheel drive. I was ready to abandon the plan to go to the summit when my travel partner proposed that we try to hitch a ride with another group going up. We took a leap of faith and asked the car that parked next to us if they would be willing to take us, and they said yes! Asking others for help was the only thing that made this amazing experience possible.

This was a big deal for me because I had never hitched a ride with anyone before. The idea that I would ask another car of strangers to drive my friend and me felt weird and vulnerable. As I was riding in their car, I had a moment of appreciation for what is possible when you ask others for help when you need it:

• At the end of the day, we’re all just people.
• Staying open-minded about the idea of riding with other visitors allowed me to experience something I thought was out of my reach—while pushing through my own vulnerability.
• By asking for that ride, I was actively expanding my tolerance for trying new things.

Three Brave Ways to Ask for Help

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