Embracing the Wild
"Nature is not a place to visit. It is home." For me, the outdoors is more than a playground; it is a classroom and a sanctuary. My enthusiasm for nature goes beyond simple recreation—I strive to truly embrace the natural world. My ultimate goal is to evolve from an observer into a true Naturalist. Whether I am observing the intricate life of a tide pool or trekking through alpine forests, I am constantly seeking to deepen my understanding of the ecosystem around me.
On the Trail: Hiking
Hiking was my gateway into the wild. Over the years, I have challenged myself on some of the most iconic trails in North America. I’ve stood at the summit of Mt. Whitney, navigated the dizzying heights of Angel's Landing in Zion National Park, and marveled at the icy expanse of the Harding Icefield Trail and Grinnell Glacier Trail, and many more.
I am currently also exploring the diverse local trails of the Bay Area, often accompanied by my daughter. Passing on the love for the outdoors to the next generation is a journey I cherish just as much as the peaks I’ve climbed.
Into the Backcountry: Backpacking
For a long time, my explorations were limited to day hikes (except the Mt. Whitney trip). Taking the Basic Outdoor Skills course (included in the Park Management Program of West Valley College) in 2025 was a turning point to me—it was there that I truly fell in love with backpacking.
The course included two immersive backpacking trips, which taught me that carrying your life on your back brings a unique sense of freedom and self-reliance. My journey here is just beginning. I plan to further my education by obtaining a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification. My eyes are set on grander challenges, including the Rim-to-Rim hike in the Grand Canyon and ascending Half Dome.
Coastal Curiosity: Tide Pool Foraging
My interest in the natural world isn't limited to the mountains. Through studying Marine Biology at Mission College, I developed a fascination for the rich biodiversity of the intertidal zone. This sparked a new curiosity: Tide Pool Foraging. While I have not yet embarked on a foraging trip, the seed has been planted.
Life on Two Wheels: Cycling
Cycling offers a rhythm of travel that is faster than walking but slow enough to savor the details. In 2023 and 2024, I was an avid participant in my company's Bike to Work program, commuting daily from Sunnyvale to Mountain View office via the scenic Bay Trail. Those rides were more than a commute; they were a daily connection with the bay.
My dream is to take this passion overseas and complete a cycling circumnavigation of Taiwan—experiencing its culture and coastline one mile at a time.
The Learning Path
✅ Basic Outdoor Skills (West Valley College)
✅ Oceans: Life in the Sea (Mission College)
⏰ Marine Biology (Mission College)
⏰ Wilderness Navigation (West Valley College)
⏰ Wilderness First Responders (West Valley College)
✅ Oceans: Life in the Sea (Mission College)
⏰ Marine Biology (Mission College)
⏰ Wilderness Navigation (West Valley College)
⏰ Wilderness First Responders (West Valley College)
Completed Adventures
🥾 Angel's Landing Trail
🥾 Glacier National Park
🥾 Harding Icefield Trail
🎒🥾 Mt. Whitney Summit
(WIP)
🥾 Glacier National Park
🥾 Harding Icefield Trail
🎒🥾 Mt. Whitney Summit
(WIP)
Bucket List
🚴 Cycling Around Taiwan
🎒🥾 Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim
🎒🥾 Half Dome
🎒🥾 Havasupai
🥾 Pulpit Rock
⛺️ Synchronous fireflies
🦀 Tide Pool Foraging in North California
🎒🥾 Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim
🎒🥾 Half Dome
🎒🥾 Havasupai
🥾 Pulpit Rock
⛺️ Synchronous fireflies
🦀 Tide Pool Foraging in North California