I've loved the outdoors since I was a little girl. I wanted to spend my Saturdays cleaning up the beach rather than watching cartoons.

I have been weirdly obsessed with Louisiana and Africa since I was little. In the 5th grade I colored a whole bunch of 8x10 sheets of paper like African flags and hung them all over my bedroom. But I haven't been. Yet.

I have been to Louisiana many times. I've lived and worked there. I've run, laughing, through humid courtyards at midnight, and discovered unbelievable people there. And someday I hope to have a home in New Orleans, so that I can finally spend as much time there as I want!

I have always, always, always had a soft spot in my heart for children. As a kid, any child that was smaller than me was at serious risk of being picked up, cuddled, and cared for all day long if I was around. I've been a camp counselor, an improv leader, and a wicked story teller for kids. Those are some of my best memories. There is nothing cooler than seeing a child's eyes light up because they are happy. Or because they finally feel better. Even if it's just for a moment.

Places and people affect me so much that sometimes a conversation with a stranger can reduce me to tears. And that's why I fight for them. For people. For the places, and the ways of life, that they love.