A Creighton student will take part in the “American Ninja Warrior” competition this summer.

Mike Galeski, a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences, decided to compete in the competition as he was looking “for another exotic experience,” as well as an opportunity to raise money for a nonprofit organization known as Pencils of Promise.

Galeski has been working for the organization for the past year, as well as teaming up with Creighton students to create an Omaha chapter for Pencils of Promise.

Pencils of Promise’s primary focus is to partner with governments primarily in

developing countries to find sustainability solutions in education.

“My run will be dedicated to the 250 million deprived of education,” said Galeski, when discussing one of his biggest motivations for doing “American Ninja Warrior.”

Galeski came about the idea as he had a cousin take part in the competition the past two years. He then took steps into making the dream a reality by sending in an audition tape.

There were approximately 70,000 other applicants around the U.S.

To prepare for the competition, Mike drives to Lincoln every weekend to train with Maggi Thorne, a veteran of the show who has been on the competition the past four years.

He also has been staying in shape while lifting around school, as well as playing on the club basketball team.

“What really stands out to me is Mike’s work ethic and passion,” said Jack Grogan, president of the Club Basketball team and a senior in the Heider College of Business. “He is the hardest working person I have ever met at Creighton. Whether he is running meetings for his club Pencils of Promise, or is in the gym training, he always gives it 100 percent.”

Galeski is involved with many other activities in addition to Pencils of Promise and club basketball, including the Rock Climbing Club and the Intercultural Student Engagement Council.

“Its really cool to see someone represent the Creighton community in such a positive way,” said Andrés Fernández Alvarez, who is a freshman in the Heider College of Business.

Galeski will be representing not only the Creighton community, but also the city of Omaha, as he was born and raised not too far from campus. He commutes to campus every day.

Galeski will compete in the Oklahoma City qualifier on April 12 , which is set to air on television in late June.