Hello world! My name is Amanda Williams, and I have the great pleasure of working with the Mt. Adams Institute, VetsWork family. I was born and raised in California, spending the first half of my childhood in LA, before moving with my family (I have two younger brothers, we are really close!) to Placerville, an amazing small town in the Sierra Foothills. I have a broad range of interests that include singing (I am also a songwriter), acting, writing, skiing, snowshoeing, surfing, backpacking, wakeboarding, camping and hiking. I have been all over the planet, and am thrilled for this next great adventure in Alaska. I am a Navy veteran and served during Operation Iraqi Freedom as a plane captain, launching FA-18 fighter jets off the flight deck of the USS John C. Stennis (think about the movie top gun) and on the fight line at NAS Lemoore, CA. I was honorably discharged as a third class petty officer. I decided to become a Mt. Adams Institute AmeriCorps intern for a plethora of reasons: I believe the opportunity is invaluable, networking with like-minded individuals and learning more about the U.S. Forest Service and potential career opportunities. I have always had an affinity for the outdoors and working with the public. What most excites me about the program is the chance to live in and experience a place I have never been, and am hoping to gain knowledge that will help set me up for my dream career.