I was born in Ellicott City, Maryland where I grew up running through the woods behind our house with the other neighborhood kids. I remember bluegill fishing, climbing trees, and swinging on the rope swing over the creek behind our house. Looking back fondly on these memories, this is where my love and passion for the outdoors began. I later moved to Norfolk, Virginia to attend Virginia Wesleyan University where I pursued a business degree, while being a member of the cross country and track team. My time in Virginia allowed my passion for the outdoors to blossom and my experience to grow. I have spent the last nine years backpacking, rock climbing, and paddling my kayak throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains, seeing everything the historic area has to offer.
After graduating from VWU in the spring of 2021, I accepted an entry level corporate job working for a retail clothing company. In a few short years there, I climbed the ladder into an upper management operations position. This new career was a full time travel position, which granted me the opportunity to see more of the United States. From Honolulu to Boston, I was able to experience different cities and cultures throughout the United States. While the East Coast will forever be my ‘home’, I think it is important to get out of my comfort zone, and see everything this beautiful country has to offer.
My career in business management has been rewarding, and I have learned endless experience about the business world, but I cannot help feeling the work is unfulfilling. I am excited to be joining the Mt. Adams Institute internship program because I firmly believe in their mission and objectives. In a political climate where our forests and natural areas are being threatened with reduced federal funding and repealed conservation acts, the work being done by MAI and their partners is more crucial than ever, and I am grateful to be a small part of this effort.