Michelle Song
Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members and volunteers. For our volunteer profile this week we talked to...
Name: Emily Smith
Branch: Seattle
How long have you been volunteering with The Mountaineers? 4 years
What activities do you participate in with The Mountaineers? Hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing
VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP QUESTIONS
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO VOLUNTEER WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I wanted to become a leader to give back to The Mountaineers community because I gained so much joy from the hiking trips I went on. Before joining The Mountaineers, I had explored very little of the outdoors in the PNW. I lived in Washington's urban areas for years without a car, so I couldn't easily get to the mountains. When I got a car, I soon learned about The Mountaineers and decided to join. Once I started going on hikes, it opened up a new world for me. I was so grateful for the trip leaders who led me to places I never would have found on my own, and I want to do that for others now.
WHAT IS THE BEST, FAVORITE, OR MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE YOU'VE HAD WITH THE CLUB?
Joining the club in winter and signing up for Basic Snowshoeing was a game-changer for me. Coming to Washington from Georgia, I'd had very little experience with snow. Stepping out onto the snow at Narada Falls for my first snowshoeing trip was an unforgettable experience. It rained on us, and a couple of my snowshoe straps broke, but I still absolutely loved being in the snowy mountain forest. I've now taken Intermediate Snowshoeing and AIARE Level 1 to gain more skills in the snow.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU DO ON TRIPS TO CREATE AN INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE FOR PEOPLE OF ALL SKILLS AND BACKGROUNDS?
I like to give land acknowledgements and list my pronouns in my pre-trip emails. I think the pre-trip emails are a great way to make the trip accessible by letting folks of different backgrounds and abilities know exactly what to expect for the trip. For folks who are newer to the outdoor world, it can ease a lot of anxiety to know exactly how to prepare for a trip. Having a co-leader on a trip is another great way to promote inclusion in a group with differing ability levels, because you can split the group into two paces.
It's often said: "Good judgment comes from experience; experience comes from bad judgment." Can you describe a learning experience, such as a take-away from a close call or a near miss, to help our community build their good judgment?
My near-misses seem to be around splitting up the group. Splitting up the group, or letting someone lead too fast and get too far ahead of the rest of the group has been too risky for me in the past.
WHAT IS ONE SURPRISING THING YOU'VE LEARNED OR GAINED THROUGH VOLUNTEERING WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I've learned so much about different cultures by going on hikes with folks from different cultural backgrounds. This cultural exchange is an added bonus on my trips.
What do you wish other members knew about volunteering with The Mountaineers?
When I joined The Mountaineers I was living in a basement, nannying, and going to grad school for Social Work. I did not feel I could afford the membership fee, so I got a scholarship. As a lower-income member of The Mountaineers I've received scholarships for various courses, which has built my capacity as a leader. I am grateful that The Mountaineers is trying to be an accessible space for folks of all backgrounds. I am grateful to be here as a volunteer trip leader, paying it forward to others!
LIGHTNING ROUND
What's your go-to place for a post-trip meal? My car! I have food sensitivities so I pack my own snacks
How about your best trail snack? Medjool Dates
What's your favorite close-to-home adventure? Point Defiance
Who is your Mountaineers hero? Kim Britcher
What 11th Essential do you bring on most trips? 1 lb backpacking chair
What's next on your bucket list? Hurricane Ridge, during the winter
IS THERE A VOLUNTEER LEADER THAT YOU'D LIKE TO SEE AS MOUNTAINEER OF THE WEEK?
Send an email to Michelle Song to make a recommendation.
