Originally from the Bay Area, Kate now calls San Diego home. While in school at UCSD, Kate works for the school’s Outback Adventures department as a lead guide, facilitating backpacking, kayaking, climbing, and camping trips for undergraduates across California and Utah. She also leads wilderness trips for freshmen orientation groups and is the department’s gear and equipment coordinator.
University of California San Diego, pursuing bachelor’s degree in global health
Wilderness first responder
I love climbing! I climb all over California: San Diego, Joshua Tree, Tauquitz, Sierra, etc. I especially love crack climbing and learning technical skills. I also am a huge runner and have been long distance running since 4th grade. I have raced six half marathons and two marathons, recently getting 3rd place in an all-women’s race. I also love to backpack and going on long expeditions. Outside of the outdoors, I love hanging out with my two little sisters, listening to music, painting, drinking coffee, watching HGTV, and playing Minecraft.
I hiked the John Muir trail NOBO in 13 days which was definitely my biggest mental and physical challenge, enduring back-to-back, 20-mile days with thunder, snow, and hail storms, and not having a community to fall back on when hiking alone.
Any memory that involves belly laughs and giggles! I love the backcountry crazies, delusion, and funny silly goofy moments with my friends and students. A few specific memories include running down the scree off of Sawtooth Pass; hiking up to a dome by myself, laying out my sleeping bag, making coffee, and painting Cathedral Peak; and backpacking with my sister! I taught her off trail navigation, and it was cool watching her lead us to an unnamed lake. We brought floaties and spent an entire day swimming together.
Bahia de Los Angeles, Baja, Mexico—very rural bay, deep in Baja, where I have guided sea kayaking expeditions. This place is known for its harsh, dry, hot, windy, and unpredictable environment and is just super beautiful. It will always have a special place in my heart, and I am getting a tattoo inspired by its beauty!
Building a new community! Working through challenge is an incredible way to grow close to others. I am excited to learn from new people in a new program, and also get to know my students. I am excited to become a role model and teach kids how to be themselves. Making friends in beautiful place is just so incredible!
Helen