During winter break, sophomore Gregory Bucci experienced new heights as he climbed to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro -- the highest peak in Africa and the world's tallest free-standing mountain.

Bucci was among a group of 10 people who signed up for the 12-day journey to East Africa through Thomson Safari in Watertown, Mass. He spent nine days on the mountain, climbing gradually in days to adjust to the altitude. Two days were spent descending the mountain.

"The trip was incredible and the highlights for me obviously include the summit but also the ash pit and the glaciers," Bucci recalls. "I was inspired to climb because I've always really enjoyed hiking and the outdoors."