We will continue to add to this page as we are able! If you have any suggestions or would like to see a specific topic covered, please email us at ASSP-ORC@spu.edu
_JPG.jpg)
Key
Tell me about yourself
I was born and raised in West, Seattle and I currently live here with my parents. My brother actually just had a baby last night! I have three siblings. My family is loud and opinionated. Im a senior studying Exercise Science with a focus on strength and conditioning. I love going on runs and hikes, and I also love fishing.
Have you ever attended an ORP event or rented gear from ORP?
I've gone to the Mug Day and I also have a Tshirt and I use my ORP mug everyday. I always encourage people to go on ORP trips even though I haven't really gone on a trip. ORP was actually one of the reasons I wanted to come to SPU. I think it's because I just felt disconnected from campus in my freshman year so I just never pushed myself to go even though I encourage others to. Also, ORP is affordable!
When you hear the word, "outdoorsy," what do you picture?
First, it's the stereotype of, "white people outside." But I also think of my mum and my dad. My mum is white and my dad is black. My dad grew up playing sports so he was always outside, and my mum is Canadian so she grew up in the forest. My mum is a really big advocate for First Nation People and she would always take me to the reservations in Canada. Being "outdoorsy" doesn't just have to be the "white people outside" narrative; you could go climbing, or grow a garden.
What's your favorite memory of being in the outdoors?
I was in Canada with my siblings and my cousins for my birthday at Gold Creek, which is glacier water so it's really cold. We would just get inner-tubes and slide down the rocks into the water!
What's your favorite thing to do in the outdoors?
I love fishing and hiking. I also love inner-tubing. It's great for people who just want to chill and don't really like bugs.
What culture, or ethnicity, or community do you identify with?
I am African American. Yes, I am technically half white, but I don't appear white so I won't identify as white. I would also say I identify with Canadian culture.
​
How does your cultural, or ethnic identity interact or view the outdoors?
As an African American, it is literally in our ancestry to be connected to the Earth. Slavery forced us to be outside. Also, Africans are just resourceful; They look towards the Earth to take care of them. And, my dad loves gardening. He's got a green thumb like no other.
Do you feel represented in the outdoor community?
No, but representation in the outdoors has never been at the forefront of my mind. I know that I love the outdoors so why would I ever worry about someone being racist toward me in the outdoors. I know my sister has actually experienced discrimination on a camping trip, so I do realize that it does happen.
How can ORP make you feel represented?
By having conversations like this! I feel like ORP has predominantly been male dominated and white woman dominated, so having more diversity and ways for people of color to feel like they can connect with the people who lead ORP.
Do you think you're an "outdoorsy" person?
Yes. To me, "outdoorsy" is simply just showing gratitude towards the Earth.