Strengths and Weaknesses

I grew up in northern California in beautiful Siskiyou County. The recreational

opportunities in this area are endless. My parents are both teachers so this has given them time

on their hands to raise three boys. A forty-five minute drive north from majestic, Mount Shasta,

the recreational opportunities were endless. Throughout the county, Mountain Biking, skiing,

hiking, and boating were just minutes away from you, wherever you were. I learned to ride a

bike at a young age, as well as ski. I have also enjoyed other adventures in the area including raft

guiding and backpacking in my highschool years. I mention this because one of my biggest

strengths I believe I possess is that of my experience and skill in certain areas. I owe this to my

parents as they have exposed me to incredible experiences growing up. I have traveled to ski

multiple places that include that of Snowbird ski resort in Utah, U.S., Grand Targhee ski resort in

Wyoming, and Whistler Blackcomb ski resort, British Columbia. I have also traveled to

Mountain Bike in Whistler, as well as Moab Utah, across the Sierras, and Sedona, Arizona. My

experience in recreation is strong, and still growing and I consider that one of my strengths.

Another strength I possess is that of working with people, especially youth, in outdoor

recreation. For a handful of summers now, I have worked as a river guide and Mountain Bike

guide for a handful of organizations. I love the energy of youth but realize the patience that needs

to be taken into consideration. This is one of my strengths because I have found that I am a

patient person and am able to relate and connect with kids in a way that boosts traits such as

confidence and resilience. My experience in recreation and working with youth have helped me

become a better leader. There are some leadership qualities I consider to be a strength and others,

a weakness. For example I have no trouble talking in front of large groups of people, and doing

everything I can do to get from point A to point B quickly and efficiently. A weakness I am still

working on, however, is taking initiative. I have found that I can get a job done well when
someone tells me what to do, however the next step is doing it to full potential on my own

initiative. Although I have got better at this, I am always looking to improve in this area. I would

also like to see myself improve in the environmental aspect of recreation and take into

consideration the impact recreationalists have on the environment. Sometimes I tend to take

these impacts for granted because I will only focused on my work or having a good time.

However I have realized that these resources need to be taken care of if they are to be used in a

recreational manner.

My strengths and weaknesses have changed throughout the years, but I realized that the

one thing that hasn't changed is that I am constantly learning from them and I find this very

beneficial as an outdoor recreationalist.