Our Meet Your Ranger series introduces you to the many amazing people who support our Outer Banks national parks every day!
Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hometown: Burlington, North Carolina
Program of study: Anthropology (Conc. Archeology), Appalachian State University
Position in our Outer Banks national parks: Interpretation Intern
Where you can be found: All over the park at Wright Brothers National Memorial
Other national parks you have worked at: Just starting my career here…but I have volunteered all my life at Moores Creek National Battlefield (North Carolina). ?
Currently listening to: Always and forever listening to the band Lord Huron.
What do you like to do in your free time? I love exercising, camping, and creating loads and loads of art!
What do you like most about the Outer Banks? It’s chaotically peaceful. You can feel the forces of nature while alone and tranquil.
How did you end up in your current position with the National Park Service?
I worked building trails for AmeriCorps. They had this position with the National Park Service which allowed me the amazing opportunity to come out here!
What does a typical workday or work week look like for you?
I’m able to be a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-many. I spend my days creating social media content, visual art, and programs for the park. I help with spontaneous projects. The best part of the day is when I’m able to present in-person programs for park goers, or just walk to-and-fro outside to my next task.
What do you enjoy most about working in our Outer Banks national parks?
Nature and being outside is a huge aspect of what makes me happy. However, the truth is my favorite part is the people. My leaders, co-workers, and all the visitors are just wonderful souls to be around! Every day I make a new friend.
What is a favorite memory you have from your time working in the Outer Banks?
One of my first days here I talked to a gentleman who was retired. He was so happy to make it to the place of the first flight. He had spent his entire life looking up to the Wright brothers, even taking a career in engineering because of what they’d done. As he told me this, he seemed like a small boy again. Asking me questions with bright eyes and fidgeting in pure enthusiasm, he made me feel certain that I was in the right place – that my life would be happy if I got to see or foster these moments of uncontaminated wonder.
Why are our Outer Banks national parks important?
They create a connection to the land and give us all a reason to preserve these ever-changing, violently erasing islands.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or about our Outer Banks national parks?
I’m certain that no matter who you are, there is something at our national parks made just for you. Why leave these gifts waiting?