Man’s relation to the outdoors has always been of great significance to me. Having grown up near the Cascade Mountain Range on a small farm in the town of Graham Washington, I was fortunate to have a great wealth of exposure to the outdoors. Raising livestock, hiking, running, hunting, and fishing are activities that I grew up with and continue to enjoy whenever I have a free moment.

While attending Graham Kapowsin High School, I was exposed to their thriving music program, which is where I found another one of my passions in playing the saxophone. I followed this passion into college where I studied music performance at Pacific Lutheran University. Whether it be summiting the apex of an arduous hiking trail or traveling abroad to give a music performance, in following my passions I have never been unrewarded. 
 
After learning about the opportunity from a close friend, I knew that the internship with Mt. Adams Institute and AmeriCorps would be a perfect fit for me. With outdoor recreation having been such an integral part of my life, I see my role as a Public Lands Steward as a way for me to give back to the outdoors. It is my hope that my contributions to the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest will enable the ecosystem to continue to thrive in the future. I also hope to learn more about natural resources and conservation, which I intend to put to use in future endeavors in the field of conservation law enforcement.