Age: 29

Hometown: Pine Bush, NY

Occupation: Writer, Waiter, and Substitute Teacher

2.     Yosemite

3.     Grand Canyon

4.     Zion

5.     Isle Royale

In high school I was interested in business, but I got burnt out. When I was at community college I began looking for something to do. I found an adventure club and fell in love with it.   The trip I remember most was the hike up Mt. Marcy. Someone in the group was injured, and we had to help carry that friend back down the mountain. It was an awful trip, but the day I felt most alive. The people in that club became my best friends.

Of the great adventure writers, which is the most influential to you?

Jack Kerouac is free spirited, but he is missing out. I think he used adventure to fill the voids in his life and create a life. While in contrast, Henry David Thoreau was becoming free of the things in life that weighed him down.

Would you ever spend a year in the woods like Henry David Thoreau?

When I was younger I wanted to attempt it. I even tried going out alone, but I got lonely.   I would rather spend a year out there with friends or my girlfriend. I think you can be reflective without having to be alone or isolated.

How would you want to encourage people to get outside?

I want people to experience adventure for themselves. I want to create enjoyable experiences that introduce and educate people about the outdoors.

Did these adventures and authors help you decide to study science and education?

My whole life philosophy changed when I switched from business. I stopped wanting all these financial goals and material things. I wanted more life experiences. I chose this degree because I wanted to go outside and not be stuck at a desk all day.