born and raised in Riverside and Orange, California until sixteen years old, I moved across the country to live in Washington D.C., and have been living on the East Coast ever since. I am currently working as a paraprofessional at Maryland School for the Deaf.

In the summer of 2023, I was one of CorpsTHAT’s crew leaders and led an incredible crew in Vermont for five weeks! We mostly focused on habitat restoration: removing non-native invasive plants, constructing the trails, maintaining fields, facilities, and campgrounds. During the strenuous labor and living in the remote area has opened my eyes and transformed my values blossoming my mind, body, and spirit, which made me connect to the wilderness even more. Not only connect to the wild but also connect with the crew to create memories together, which was a reward. I’m eternally grateful for experiencing this once-a-lifetime trip.

I thought I had camping knowledge because I had attended several deaf camps during my childhood era but being exposed to the conservation program for the first time which was completely different from other camps. It shifted my understanding of the definition of a true wilderness camping experience which I absolutely love it. I wish I had known about this a bit earlier but it is not too late for you!