Brianna

Connect What national park do you dream of visiting?

I am most excited for any of the Alaska National Parks; especially Denali and Gates of the Arctic. I cannot wait to experience the raw, unfiltered beauty of the wilderness in Alaska and let it fuel my passion for the outdoors in all forms. Additionally, I dream about Yosemite National Park. I cannot wait to explore the vast, challenging hiking trails, admire the scenery, and observe the wildlife. There is so much to see in this world, and I cannot wait to keep exploring it all!

What has been your favorite adventure experience?

My favorite adventure experience of all time was visiting the Galapagos Islands. As a scientist, I had been dreaming of this place since my first ever biology class. Nothing could have prepared me for the feelings I got when I first set foot on those islands. I was overwhelmed with so many emotions: pride for our Earth for making all these beautiful things, amazement at nature for weathering all sorts of changes, and humans for recognizing them. My love for the outdoors grew tenfold that trip.

What would you do with $10,000?

$10,000 would change my life. With an upcoming wedding to my long distance fiancé (he lives in northwest Canada and I live in Tennessee) along with the insanely high immigration paperwork fees, I have more than enough financial reasons preventing me from traveling as much as I'd like. This $10,000 would alleviate so many concerns and open back up the possibility to travel, create content, and make memories to begin our marriage. I cannot put into words what this would mean for me.