My name is Anna, and I am a 2021 Conservation Across Boundaries alum, and a current student at the University of Montana. I am from Sonoma, California where I grew up in a small town surrounded by wine country. Leaving Sonoma and coming to Montana further blossomed my appreciation for the mountains and ever-expanding scenery. I learned more about myself, and my perspectives grew amongst high-alpine environments and riparian valleys. When I heard about this opportunity to learn outside and spend time in a small cohort, I took it as a chance to expand my curiosity, re-spark my passion for learning, and shake off the COVID-19 funk we all struggled through.

The Wild Rockies Field Institute was such an incredible and eye-opening experience. It allowed me to make amazing friendships (some of which I’m still in contact with), and realize my appreciation for a more immersive style of learning. I have used the skills and knowledge from my course in classes I have taken at UM, including readings from the curriculum and utilizing them in projects and papers. WRFI lives close to my heart as the instructors and friends I gallivanted in the woods with, provided me with so much support and laughs. I learned many skills in the backcountry, ranging from LNT to place attachment and TEK, but I also learned how to be exactly who I am.

This experience was incredibly enriching, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I could talk about my experience for hours, so if you want to know more about these courses, please reach out! I would love to talk with you!!