American Hiking Society Programs Intern Nghi Nguyen takes over the AHS blog to discuss hiking experiences and what she’s looking forward to during her time with AHS!
My first hiking experience: Big Bend National Park
My love for hiking began during my first year in the United States, in 9th grade. My high school organized a school trip to Big Bend National Park and it was my very first hike. As someone who had just moved to the country, I didn’t know what to expect, but this trip changed everything. The physical challenge, the beauty of the landscape and the peace I felt being surrounded by nature really left an impression on me. This experience sparked a passion for hiking, and I have been hooked ever since.
Why I Joined the American Hiking Society
I first discovered the American Hiking Society through LinkedIn and was immediately drawn to its mission. What really excited me about this opportunity was how AHS strives to make hiking more inclusive and accessible to everyone. For me, hiking has always been a way to connect with nature, to find peace and balance in my life, and I love the idea of helping others experience that too, especially people who may face barriers to enjoying the outdoors.
What I’m looking forward to at AHS
As I begin my internship at AHS, I’m really looking forward to learning from the team and gaining hands-on experience running programs that make a real difference. I’m especially excited to help expand opportunities for more people to experience hiking, whether they’re seasoned hikers or just taking their first steps on the trails, as I did formerly. I look forward to contributing to the important work of empowering all communities to enjoy, share and preserve the hiking experience.
I look forward to connecting with the AHS community and helping make the outdoors accessible to everyone!