Both a symbol and a motif, mountains are central to Jordan’s life in No Summit out of Sight. As a symbol, they represent perseverance, Focusing on a Personal Best, and The Power of Setting and Achieving Goals. As a motif, they illuminate Jordan’s strong character, provide the setting, and connect to each culture that Jordan learns about along the way. Climbing a mountain is a massive feat, and Jordan is just a small person at age 10, when he climbs his first mountain. In sticking with his goal until the very last summit, he demonstrates determination and a desire to face and conquer his fears. He accepts the risks and dangers of the sport and hopes that by enduring them, he can see himself in a new light and leave a lasting legacy. Jordan admires the unique natural beauty of each mountain, and many of the mountains he climbs contain several different environments in and of themselves. He experiences agony, terror, and exhaustion as he climbs, but he does not give up, and the emotional and physical lows are no match for the physical and emotional highs of reaching a summit:

As they had on other summits, my mind and body teamed up to give me something more when the peak was within reach.