Certifications: Wilderness First Responder, CPR
Areas of Expertise: Backpacking, Snorkeling, Nature Meditation, Photography
Hobbies/Interests: Rock climbing, Kayaking, Tracking
Alejandra grew up between coastal mountains (fog, fuzzy leaves to catch water, sandy soil) and Pacific oceans (big rocks, cold water, kelp forests, sea birds) of California and Chile. She learns from the smallest of creatures and enjoys the texture of wilderness floors. She moved from Santiago, Chile to Massachusetts, then to the Bay Area all before age 10. The Bay Area brought her up well, with a sense of independence in her actions and the freedom of interconnectedness to those around her, plant and animal alike. The 2011-2011 school year found her back in her patria practicing rock climbing, backpacking and kayaking in the parallel climates of Chile. Her favorite experience was hiking to a view point in the Wilderness of La Campana and looking down at a forest of Chilean Palm Trees.
SC Outfitters’ Orientation Hike back in 2008 was Ale’s first organized event at USC, and she’s been with the group ever since, becoming a Guide that spring semester with fellow enthusiasts Catherine, Warren and Nina. She decided as she was leaving high school that outdoor adventures are the best way to spend free time, bond with friends and grow as a human being, taking with you your memories but otherwise leaving no trace. With that intention, she’s has helped spread the opportunities to all USC students by managing the website Sophomore year and is super excited for all that Senior year will bring.
Alejandra recommends reading the book The Other Way to Listen by Byrd Baylor, and taking the time to listen alone with the company of any natural thing, a rock or tree or butterfly. “To Stand on the Earth is to stand with Confidence” – Charlotte Selver