I’m a 25-year-old woman from rural Louisiana. Being outdoors has always been part of daily life. I grew up hunting and fishing with my family, helping maintain our land, and learning to appreciate the hard work it takes to care for the natural world. These experiences shaped my respect for the environment and my love for hands-on work. I still find joy in gardening, landscaping, and spending time on the water, and I’ve always had a deep affection for animals and wildlife. I’m currently wrapping up my bachelor’s degree in business administration, with two classes remaining.
I decided to apply for the Mt. Adams Institute Land Stewards Internship because I’m ready for a meaningful challenge that lets me step outside my familiar Southern landscapes and contribute to public land stewardship on a much larger scale. What excites me most is the opportunity to work in Alaska’s wild spaces alongside the National Forest Service while learning new ecosystems, gaining practical conservation skills, and being part of real land management work. I’m hoping to build confidence in remote fieldwork, develop stronger technical abilities, and create lasting connections with people who share my passion for protecting natural places. More than anything, I’m grateful for the chance to grow personally and professionally in a program that feels so aligned with the values I was raised with.