How goes it, folks? My name is Jeff.
I grew up in Centralia, Washington. Though I truly bloomed more in the city of Tacoma later in life. I love camping and hiking. I fell in love with the great outdoors in my early teens when I camped in Cape Disappointment and for the first time witnessed seeing nothing more than the stars, feeling the breeze and watching the waves and lighthouse at the beach. Nothing existed at that moment other than the sound of the coast and nature singing the night away. I grew up having a hard time finding a home but the closest I’ve felt has truly been in nature. It was later in life that I also found my love for trail running and mountain biking too.
After high school, I enlisted in the United States Army Reserves as a Cable Technician. I served from 2016-2022. I had the pleasure to have been deployed to South Korea and to have met fantastic folks throughout the years. Proud to have hard working loving folks– mom and dad along with three older brothers. In my free time, I love playing the guitar, making music such as lo-fi to heavy metal. I also love doing physical activities such as running and lifting weights.
I decided to become a MAI AmeriCorps Intern because I appreciate and believe in an Institute who brings an impact for personal well-being along with strengthening the connection between people and the natural world. What excites me the most is truly learning more about public lands and being a part of the team. It is exciting to start a new beginning with something that brings a sense of meaning.