06/09/2024
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest meant that nature was my constant companion. The forests, mountains, and coastlines were where I found peace and adventure. Hiking through the woods or sitting by a quiet lake, I learned valuable lessons about patience and resilience. Those wild places also became the backdrop for deep, lasting connections with amazing people.
Traveling outside the U.S. later on gave me a wider perspective, but it also made me appreciate just how lucky I was to be raised in this beautiful, untamed part of the world. I’m forever grateful to my parents for encouraging me to explore and grow in the wilderness around us—they gave me a gift that shaped who I am today.