How did I get to living this life of adventure and gratitude?

I was born and raised in a small town in Western Massachusetts with a great view of Mt. Greylock, the highest peak in the state. I often participated in “The Ramble”, my town's yearly tradition of hiking up the mountain on Indigenous Peoples Day. Other than that, I didn’t have much outdoor experience. I had never gone camping and I always hiked the same trail, Cheshire Harbor, anytime I went for a hike.

I dreamed of being a fashion designer ever since I can remember. Childhood Christmas presents consisted of sewing machines and mannequins and I was always sketching outfit ideas I had. I wanted this dream so badly that I enrolled as a Fashion Design major when I went to college. After majoring in this field for 3 years, I felt it was no longer my place or purpose in the world. The fashion industry is a top global polluter and those working in the industry are often cold because they are in competition. I dreamed of working with a team that collectively works to better our environment and support one another in that goal. I changed my focus of study and graduated 2 years later with an English major and Environmental Studies minor. 

After college, I traveled west for the first time. I was a team leader with AmeriCorps NCCC and had the privilege of living and working in Colorado, Arkansas, and Texas. Each of these projects and partnerships enriched my life and filled me with deep purpose. I grew a lot as a person and as a professional during those 10 months. I learned how to use power tools and trail hand tools and became certified to run a chainsaw. I learned how to manage conflict in a mature way and how to admit when I was wrong. I felt how powerful it was to work with a team, all aimed at a positive common goal. And then accomplish that goal together.

Once that term was over, I moved back east to be with my partner at the time. I spent 8 months applying for outdoors jobs while working other jobs I did not enjoy. I constantly missed working with a team, learning new skills, and making team meals every night. I yearned to be back in the outdoors where I worked hard and breathed fresh air with every breath. I felt a significant difference in my mental health from when I was out west to how I was feeling being back east. I had reached out to a friend who had done seasonal work with Arizona Conservation Corps. The way she described her experience, I knew that was exactly what I was looking for. 

Within three weeks, I applied to be a crew lead with AZCC, was offered the position, quit my job at the local grocery store, bought a car and filled it to the brim with my belongings, and drove cross country. This meant the end of my relationship and I was completely heart broken about it. But, I knew that I was not happy with living where we were and working the jobs I was just to pay my bills. I needed more. I needed travel and adventure and a job that I was proud of. I knew that staying meant I was sacrificing my own true happiness, and I wasn’t okay with that.

This was the best decision I have ever made. My mental health has never been better than when I’m out west, working jobs that contribute to the protection and management of our shared natural resources. I wouldn’t change a thing. Flagstaff, AZ has given me most of my favorite things: my career, my best friends, and the love of my life. Good ol’ Flaggy is the center of my universe. I move away often for a period of time to take different seasonal jobs, but I will always be drawn back to its beauty and my besties. 

I am constantly in awe and gratitude to my past self for having the confidence to move cross country not knowing anyone but simply going off a gut feeling. I am so grateful for the life I have built for myself and I never take a single day for granted. 

Follow along as I share my story and photographs I’ve snapped on my film camera. After all, life is just one grand adventure!