Later on, I moved to Montana to study Media Arts at the university in Missoula, and discovered my passion for design, illustration, and photography. And craft beer. And turned into an independent, feminist woman, as well as a conservation, animal rights, and political activist. All those great things college does for ya.

Wrenching myself away from the town I felt was home, I landed a job and moved to Jackson, Wyoming right after graduating. There, I became a professional web and graphic designer (but it didn’t include a season ski pass – I’m still bitter about that). I worked long hours, sat with big-wig clients, fine-tuned my skillset, and learned a ton.

After feeling young and poor for a year and a half, I decided my personal life needed a boost and so moved to Portland, Oregon in late 2013, which has been my home ever since. In Portland, I met amazing people, worked at a wonderful job at Portland Community College as the sole web designer, and got to explore new places in the outdoors. I took up ski mountaineering and climbing to add to my already full quiver of outdoor sports (and fill up my basement with gear). I met a wonderful partner, and made lasting friends. I continued to hone my design skills through work and freelance projects. I volunteered as a ski tour leader and publication content editor for our local climbing organization, and took my camera out every weekend. I cuddled with my kitty with a good book when it rains.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, my job at Portland Community College went remote and my partner and I decided we’d had enough of the city. We moved to Wenatchee, Washington, a great little town in north-central Washington at the foot of the eastern Cascades. While continuing my work at PCC, we get out on weekends and weekdays alike skiing, hiking, paddle boarding, and exploring. Life is good.