In September 2021, I was featured on the “Building the Village” podcast hosted by Dr. Brandon William Jones. In the podcast, when asked about what experiences have shaped me to be who I am today.
One of the things I shared was my time at the summer camp Manice run by Christodora: Nature, Learning, Leadership. It was a wonderful outdoor adventure for inner city (I grew up in New York City) youth. I call it survival camp because it taught me how to survive in the wilderness for as much as 7 days. I recall backpacking on the Appalachian Trail, learning how to dig latrines, identify trees, and canoe. The skills and appreciation I learned has stayed within through out my life.
After listening to the podcast with my family, I was inspired to reached out to Christodora and shared the podcast with them so that they would know the impact the experience had on me! Today I found out they featured me in their October 2021 newsletter. The enclosed photo is from the newsletter feature.
What are the experiences that have shaped who you are today? Comment below.
*The featured photo is of me still kayaking and enjoying nature today at the Latino Moonlight Serenade Event sponsored by the Texas Rowing Center.