National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions
My time aboard National Geographic expedition vessels offered something few experiences can: the opportunity to travel to some of the most remote and ecologically significant places on Earth while living and working within them each day.
As part of the crew, I supported daily operations, guest experiences, safety procedures, and logistical coordination in dynamic environments where adaptability and teamwork were essential. Yet what shaped me most was not simply the work itself—it was the privilege of witnessing wild places in their most raw and undisturbed form. From remote coastlines and ancient forests to glacier-carved fjords and isolated waterways, I was immersed in landscapes that reminded me how vast, resilient, and interconnected the natural world truly is.
One of the greatest gifts of this experience was the opportunity to work alongside naturalists, expedition leaders, and mariners who had dedicated their lives to understanding the places we traveled. Through countless conversations on deck, along trails, and during daily operations, I found mentors who encouraged my curiosity and nurtured my own aspirations as a naturalist. They recognized my passion for storytelling and interpretation, often inviting me to assist with guest experiences and share my own perspectives on the landscapes around us.
Through guest recaps and educational presentations, I discovered how much I value public speaking and the art of connecting people to place. I learned that interpretation is not simply the sharing of information. It is creating a bridge between a person and a landscape, helping someone see themselves as part of a larger story. Drawing from my background in environmental science, my experiences learning alongside Indigenous communities, and my interest in ethnobotany and traditional plant knowledge, I sought to make ecological concepts approachable, meaningful, and deeply human.
The expedition environment also provided opportunities to develop practical maritime skills. Working closely with deck crews and seeking every opportunity to learn, I gained hands-on experience around Zodiac operations, guest loading procedures, vessel safety, and small boat handling while continuing to pursue additional maritime training and U.S. Coast Guard credentials.
Above all, this experience affirmed something I have always felt to be true: people long for connection—not only with one another, but with the natural world. Whether speaking with guests, assisting on excursions, or simply sharing stories on deck, I found joy in helping others feel seen, welcomed, and connected to the places around them. In many ways, the expedition ship became a classroom, and the wilderness became both teacher and guide.
The lessons I carried away were not only about ecology, navigation, or interpretation. They were lessons in wonder, humility, and relationship—lessons that continue to shape the way I move through the world today.
