10 Essential Questions: Amanda Albright

Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our member profile this week we talked to....

Name: Amanda Albright
Hometown: I grew up in a small, rural town on the Wisconsin / Illinois border.
Member Since: September 2015
Occupation: Formerly, I worked as an Accreditation / Certification & Policy Research Analyst for a large Product Safety Company. Today, I am a Stay at Home Mom to two awesome toddlers and a slobbery Great Dane. 
Favorite Activities: Backpacking, Hiking, Camping, Snowshoeing, Photography, and Horseback Riding.

10 Essentials: Questions

How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?

Before I joined The Mountaineers, I was a hiking leader for a Meetup group. I was leading a hike to Kendall Katwalk. Right before my group got to the Katwalk, we ran into a group of Mountaineers. They were chatting, laughing, and having such a wonderful time. Soon, we were all sitting together listening to amazing tales of their adventures. They talked about friendship and teamwork. I was really impressed by them. Later that year, I was leading a backpacking trip for the same Meetup group. One of the participants was a single Mom of a special needs toddler and she worked as a nurse. I had small children at home so we bonded immediately. I was in awe of her. Later, I found out in her spare time, she was a climber with The Mountaineers. I didn't even think such a thing was possible. She really opened my eyes as to what was achievable for a Mom. I joined The Mountaineers soon after that.

What motivates you to get outside with us?

So very much appeals to me about being a Mountaineer. I love the sense of community. We are always looking out for one another. Mountaineers don't withhold knowledge. We gladly share for the betterment of our members and our lands. We approach leadership with humility and grace. We're always trying to better ourselves. I could go on and on, but I think it's best summed up by my son (age 5). Just a few weeks ago, I upgraded to a family membership. I took him on a hike to tell him he was officially a Mountaineer now - just like Mom. He was so excited! He said, "So now if I climb a mountain, the Mountaineers have my back?" Yup!

What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?

When I decided to become a hike leader, I was assigned a Mentor. He was amazing! He made sure that I understood not just the "hows" of planning and leading a trip, but also the "whys". Even after I successfully led my hike, he continued to check in every once in awhile. He was always there for me if I needed advice. He also made sure that I didn't take myself too seriously (as I can sometimes do). He knew that it was my dream to hike to Camp Muir. About a year after that first hike, he randomly called me up. He had Thanksgiving weekend off and told me it was time to live the dream. We didn't actually end up going due to weather, but that he remembered and was willing to make it happen for me was everything.

Who/What inspires you?

My kids. I participate in these activities not just for myself, but to show them it's possible.

What does adventure mean to you?

Doing more than you thought yourself capable of - surprising yourself.

Lightning Round

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