Eva
An Arcata, CA, native, Eva now resides further south outside of Los Angeles. She currently attends Pitzer College, where she works as a tour guide for prospective students. She also leads backpacking trips in CA’s mountains and “ski surf” lessons. She spent several summers working at Camp Winnarainbow in California, teaching art and outdoor skills to kids and teenagers. She’s worked as a research assistant for several labs, including one that studies reward and decision-making.
- Education: Pitzer College, pursuing bachelor’s degree in neuroscience
- Certifications: Wilderness first responder
- Favorite outdoor memory: My favorite outdoor memory was backpacking and camping on the beach on Maui. Being able to wake up to the most beautiful sunrise and the sound of the ocean, and immediately jump in the water to see fish and turtles, was the most magical experience of my life.
- Favorite outdoor achievement: Earlier this year, I summited Mt. Baldy, the highest mountain in the San Gabriel Range. The hike was tough, but I loved seeing the scenery change at higher elevations. Getting hot chocolate at the ski lodge on the way down was definitely a highlight of the trip.
- Favorite place you’ve traveled: I’ve been lucky enough to travel a lot, but my favorite place to visit is just a few hours from home. Fern Canyon is in Redwood State Park, and hiking through the high walls covered in ferns and waterfalls makes me feel like I’m on another planet.
- Favorite hobbies: One of my favorite hobbies is watercolor painting. I especially love hiking until I find a particularly beautiful scene, and stopping to paint it. I’ve loved backpacking since I went for the first time when I was 7 years old, and my newest hobby, free diving, has introduced me to a whole new world off the coast of southern California.
- What are you most excited for this summer? I’ve been really interested in learning about plant and animal identification where I live, and I’m excited to continue developing those skills in a new place! I’m also excited to see an amazing group of students from all different backgrounds and places come together to form a team that can tackle anything. I’m excited to see each person find their favorite skill, and their place within the team while exploring outside our comfort zones in a safe and supportive community.