Maggie grew up in the Finger Lakes region of NY and currently calls Ithaca home. At Cornell, Maggie was a trail running instructor and guide for Outdoor Odyssey, which takes freshmen on six-day orientation backpacking trips through the Adirondacks. She’s also worked as a chemistry tutor, organic farm assistant, and lifeguard. Last summer, Maggie participated in the Strong Children’s Research Center, studying pediatric eating disorder rates.
Cornell University, bachelor’s degree in chemistry
Wilderness first responder, lifeguard
I absolutely love to run; whether in the form of leisure trail runs or endurance road races, I will always have a smile on my face. I also love hiking, especially in the Adirondack high peaks, and, as a Finger Lakes native, I am a huge fan of all kinds of watersports. I am also a huge reader and will always find an excuse to do puzzles (math and jigsaw).
My favorite outdoor achievement was summitting one of the Adirondack high peaks (Big Slide) with my Outdoor Odyssey group because I got to lead four individuals on their first-ever high peak. Seeing how proud and stunned by the view they were at the top felt so amazing, and I was so excited to hear that they could not wait to do more.
When some of the local surf instructors on a beach in Costa Rica offered to teach me and a few others how to surf. Not only did we get to see a beautiful sunset while in the water, but it felt so amazing to connect, laugh with, and learn from the locals.
My favorite place in the world is Canandaigua Lake because all of my best memories growing up have been in, on, or around the lake. Whether solo or with others, the lake will always be my happy place.
I am most looking forward to getting to meet and connect with new people, and to see how much growth can occur for these youth in just a couple of weeks.