After graduating from Western Michigan University with a degree in film and theater production, I moved to Chicago with my demo tapes, ready to get hired. I got my apartment (and my first parking boot on the same day) and jumped into the job search—but interview after interview, I kept hearing the same question: What real experience do you have outside of college? It was discouraging.

Through my stepsister, I landed an opportunity with a producer and worked on a film during the Chicago to Mackinac sailboat race. It was exciting and meaningful work—but when it ended, I was back to wondering how I’d pay my bills.

One day, sitting outside the John Hancock building feeling stuck, I called my brother. His advice? “Go get a job at The North Face—and get me discounts!” I wasn’t outdoorsy at the time, but I walked in, interviewed, and sent a thank-you email on the train ride home. Shortly after, I was hired.

The training was intense, and I quickly fell in love with the world of outdoor gear—the stories, the technology, and the people. I became a top seller, then Sales Manager, and eventually moved to Seattle to help manage a store and outfit athletes, celebrities, and everyday adventurers. My favorite part wasn’t selling—it was connecting with people, learning about their journeys, and helping them feel prepared, safe, and excited.

In Seattle, I also discovered rock climbing and mountaineering. One day, while trad climbing with a friend surrounded by mountains and mountain goats, I had a realization: what I really loved was the teaching and relationship-building. The sales were just a bonus.

Around that time, I learned I could return home to Traverse City and pursue teaching without leaving the area. Not long after, I packed my bags and made the shift.

Now, I’m finishing my 9th year of teaching. I still work at a local gear shop in the summers to stay connected to that world—and to bring it into my outdoor classroom. Looking back, what felt like a detour ended up leading me exactly where I was meant to be.