Sonja

Trip photographer & instructor

Sonja was born and raised in North Carolina, but she now calls Washington, DC, home. Though not an Adventure Treks alum herself, her brother did seven trips with us as a middle and high schooler, which helped inspire their sibling thru-hike of the Colorado Trail! Sonja is a photographer by trade and most recently worked for Senator Maggie Hassan’s office in DC as a press assistant; previously, she was a communications intern for the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee. During her time at Claremont, she was a guide for the school’s freshmen orientation program, and she was also a photographer for the admissions office. She was also a photographer at a summer camp in North Carolina!

Education

Claremont McKenna College, bachelor’s degree in international relations

Certification

Wilderness first responder

Favorite hobbies

I’m really into international travel, watching movies, surfing, and pushing myself in the outdoors, and I am currently learning to make pastry.

Favorite outdoor achievement

Completing the Colorado Trail with my brother!

Favorite outdoor memory

On the Colorado Trail, we camped above tree line one night before summiting the highest peak the next morning. As the sun set, a huge herd of elk came galloping over the hill we were camping on. It was amazing to hear their bugle and see so many in the wild.

Favorite place in the world

Encinitas, CA, where I first learned to surf, fell in love with California, and where my siblings and cousins gather every Thanksgiving to create a truly delicious yet chaotic feast.

What are you most excited for this summer?

I’m looking forward to capturing memories that students and staff can enjoy and look back on!

DJKyle