After graduating college and moving back home with ma and pa it was about time I started applying every where and anywhere. REI had always been my candy store, my shopping therapy, this store made me want to marry a sugar daddy. I also respected REI's employees who were always knowledgeable and helpful, and their customer service is the best. I was searching their website and applied for their Outdoor School. I also applied for every National Geographic internship and job possible. After receiving 23 rejection emails from Nat Geo, my heart sank and I began to think I would be working after school recreation for the City of Dublin the rest of my life. Until one Monday afternoon I was sitting in the gym waiting for the kids to get out of school when I received a call from REI, they wanted to interview me for their outdoor school. I passed the phone interview, met with Steve (my now boss) and things fell into place there. The next day I was attending a staff lunch meeting with one of the big guns of the company hearing their new ideas and plans. I was falling even more in love with this company. Then it was off to staff training at the "rendezvous" where I met staff from Sacramento and the South Bay. Everyone I met was amazing. Educated, athletic, smart, and we all had a commonality, a passion for the outdoors. The entire weekend was filled with accident theory, mountain biking, kayaking, climbing and laughing. It was a wonderful weekend and I knew I was where I belonged. REI Outdoor School rendezvous and staff traning Photos
I began teaching classes soon after. Specifically How to Ride, were we teach adults how to ride a bike. This to me is the most rewarding class.
Adults have years of fear staked against them when they come to us. As adults, our ego's tell us a million reasons why we can't do things. Its our job to break those walls down and create a safe environment where people are free to learn, free to fail, and free to succeed. I'll never forget each of the faces I have taught. Individuals who over came a fear and now have access to freedom. Freedom to ride, to explore and to be healthy.
I also have had the pleasure of teaching several Sea Kayak courses, Map and Compass, rock climbing and Road Cycling. I am soon going to be teaching out of Sacramento, doing Cross Country Skiing and Snow Shoeing. I am so excited for new classes, but I do love my others just as much.
The main part of REI (outside the instructional experience) that I have gained is the friendships. The people I have met through the Outdoor School are all amazing incredible adults I learn so much from. They are kind, strong, intelligent, funny and over all good people I feel honored to call my co-workers. I look forward to more classes with them, and someday maybe even REI Adventures. If there is ever an activity you want to pursue but don't know where to begin, I strongly recommend REI's Outdoor School. Everyone is wonderful, and the information you will receive is the best, not because we are better than other companies, but because we care about you. More Photos
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