What position do you hold at Pacific Discovery? What has been your career path so far?
I am so happy to be working as a Program Leader for Pacific Discovery. The Program Leader position is a perfect fit for me as it combines my professional experience and passion for learning into a dynamic position. In University I studied History, with a concentration in Latin American studies. Since leaving University, I have pursued a career guiding and mentoring youth. I discovered my passion for helping foster personal growth as a Field Instructor at a wilderness therapy program in western North Carolina called SUWS of the Carolinas. At SUWS I helped facilitate personal growth and crisis intervention for teens living with addiction, depression, anxiety, learning disabilities and a variety of mental health issues, while on extended backpacking trips.
After a year and a half I moved into the Medic position, using my training as an EMT and a relationship with local doctors and psychiatrist to provide medical care for our students. After an extended trip in Patagonia, I moved into a managerial role as the Director of Student Life at a boarding school in NC, where I developed the outdoor education program, as well as trained and managed the direct care staff. In 2014, I began leading international trips for several different programs in China, Malaysia, Costa Rica and Panama.
What country have you always wanted to visit?
I have always wanted to explore Kyrgyzstan due to the immensity of the landscape, it's alluring culture and difficult history. As a climber and outdoor enthusiast, Kyrgyzstan seems like a playground. Ninety percent of the country is covered with mountains, with thousands of possibilities for first ascents and back-country climbing objectives. This type of landscape inspires a certain toughness and tenacity. especially when combined with a complex history involving religious extremism to the west, and being sandwiched between two superpowers; China, and Russia. I would love the chance to make connections with Kyrgz, while exploring the back-country (and avoiding landmines).
Why is language learning and cultural immersion important to you?
Cultural immersion adds so much depth to a travel experience. The people, animals, plants, cuisine, landscape and language all contribute to the personality and flavor of a place. When travelers are able to step inside a local's world and see, even for moment, the world through a new perspective, then they gain understanding. Understanding allows travelers to feel competent, confident, and connected. It inspires a perspective of unity and likeness. In my opinion, unifying practices are sorely needed in our times. Language can be such a powerful vehicle for connecting with locals, showing respect, and gaining a new perspective. Even learning "hello" and "thank you" can be the difference between spending the evening in a lonely hotel room or being invited into a local's home for a home-cooked meal and good company.
What language have you always wanted to learn and why?
I would really like to become conversational in Mandarin. I have traveled through Yunan, Guangxi and Guizhou provinces in China, and have really fallen in love with rural China. The people I met were so kind and interested. It was so great to interact with them through the little bit of Mandarin that I know. I find the tones and characters in Mandarin to be especially challenging, which makes for fun problem solving.