Overland

A single glance at the icy blue waters and a breath of cool, crisp air in Banff, Canada, fueled my love for the outdoors, the environment and sustainability.

Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, I am a junior and environmental studies major and Hispanic studies minor at Davidson College. I am a trip leader for Davidson Outdoors — our outdoor leadership program — where students lead backpacking, paddling, climbing, caving and biking trips for their peers. Passionate about sustainable living and global environmental issues, I started living a zero-waste lifestyle in August of 2018. Also, I started to help operate the industrial composter and share my passion for the environment through communications and social media for Davidson’s Office of Sustainability. In the summer of 2018, I studied abroad in Cadiz, Spain, where I immersed myself in the Spanish language and culture, traveled to more than eight cities and spent a weekend in Morocco — loved every minute of it. This fall, I studied abroad and conducted research in the southernmost city in the world in the Patagonia region of Argentina and will have the opportunity to go to Antarctica for 10 days. In my free time, I love taking my bike for a spin around Davidson, trying new recipes and spending time outdoors with my friends.

In 2019, I led Mountain and Sea Adventure. I am eager to share my love for the outdoors and environment with students, foster new friendships, watch their confidence grow and make this summer the most memorable of their lives.

At Colgate University, I am a staff member for the outdoor education program where I lead hiking, climbing and whitewater kayaking classes and trips in the Adirondacks as well as train new members and run leadership seminars.

Originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, I graduated in 2019 from Colgate where I double majored in geology and international relations. I was a leader of the Utica Refugee Tutoring organization, working with students on their math and English skills at the Somali Bantu Community Center. On campus, I researched Arctic sea ice regression in relation to the global race for the Arctic’s natural resources. I studied abroad at the University of Edinburgh my junior fall, studying European political and social relations and policy in correlation with the European Union. Starting in 2017, I worked for College Outside as a group sales and gear intern, engaging with various outdoor programs across the country in order to get them the necessary equipment. In my free time, I love running or climbing in the beautiful mountains of the Northeast.

In 2016, I led Berkshire Adventure and New England Adventure; in 2017, I led New England Explorer; and in 2018, I led Alaska Expedition. I continue to lead for Overland to be a part of an amazing community dedicated to creating group adventures where students are able to grow and discover new things about themselves and the beautiful places around them.

After having so much fun leading for Overland in 2016, I stuffed my pack and set out for the Rocky Mountains on a 90-day semester with the National Outdoor Leadership School, where I fully realized my love for trip leading, group travel and the outdoors.

Originally from Alexandria, Virginia, I graduated in 2019 from the University of Virginia with a major in English and poetry writing. At UVA, I led trips for the outdoors club, helped manage a bar and restaurant and plotted my adventures. During breaks, I traveled and explored as much as possible. My travels took me to Northern California, where I guided rafting trips on the American River for adults and children with disabilities; France, where I explored the Alps and honed my French skills in the summer of 2018; and, most recently, Rome, where I studied art history for the month of January.

As a former Overland student and a current leader, one thing is clear — aside from being hard-working, dedicated, fun-loving and inspiring, Overland students are down to clown. I can’t wait to play games and work hard with Overland students again this summer.

In 10th grade, I spent 50 school days on backcountry camping trips as part of a yearlong outdoor education program.

Originally from Los Angeles, California, I grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, and am a junior at Bowdoin College where I double major in government and romance languages and literature. I enjoy leading weekend and orientation trips for my peers through the Bowdoin Outing Club, and last spring, I completed leadership training through the club. I play intramural ice hockey, write for Bowdoin’s satirical magazine, and am involved in Model United Nations. A passionate cook and baker, I spent two summers working in a bakery and am known to keep a sourdough culture. I earned my Wilderness First Responder certification, and I love reading historical fiction and exploring new places by foot and bike.

In 2018, I was a member of Overland’s Support Staff and led New England Adventure and Berkshire Adventure, and in 2019, I led Cape Cod & the Islands. Helping a group of Overland students laugh, learn, and come together as a team is remarkable.

As an Overland student, I went on three bike trips — Paris to the Sea, Canadian Rockies and Montana and the American Challenge; through these trips, I fell in love with camping and bike touring.

Originally from Springfield, Missouri, I am a sophomore at Whitman College, where I plan to major in environmental humanities and film production. I received the Sustainable Living Certificate for my efforts to reduce my carbon footprint and make the environment a healthier place. Also, I received a music talent scholarship at Whitman, which allows me to take piano lessons and collaborate with other music students. During my first year of college, I took an outdoor leadership class through Whitman’s outdoor program. We studied different aspects of leadership, tolerance for adversity and a variety of survival skills. At the end of the class, we traveled to Hawaii where we put our knowledge to the test by back-country camping, hiking and teaching technical leadership classes. I thrive in environments that require outdoor leadership knowledge because I love working to maintain positive attitudes in a group while we encounter inevitable challenges.

In 2019, I was on Support Staff. The most rewarding part of my summer was my time spent with the Operations Team, working on new projects everyday to ensure the success of Overland groups across the country and world.

Going to school in Colorado has allowed me to explore the diverse landscape and to develop a passion for sharing it with others.

Originally from North Hollywood, California, I am a junior at Colorado College, where I major in molecular biology and minor in philosophy. On campus, I am participating in research to find new mutant bacteria and novel antibiotics. Outside of class, I am the goalie for the club soccer team, a member of the student organization for sexual safety on campus, and an executive committee member of my fraternity. Also, I am a backcountry leader with the outdoor education department and a Wilderness First Responder who is working towards my EMT certification. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, exploring the outdoors, and watching the latest TV shows.

In 2019, I led Pacific Coast. My three summers as an Overland student helped shape who I am today, and I am so excited to have the opportunity to lead for Overland. As a leader, I have learned that things may not always go as planned, but with the right preparation and attitude, you can always have a great time. My Overland students were wonderful.