My park story begins with an acceptance to the University of California Merced. I’m a first-generation college student and a first-generation park ranger. Wild places have offered me a variety of things. I’ve seen the Milky Way for the first time and cried as I watched others experience it for their first time. I’ve walked through a living giant Sequoia and have had the opportunity to lead others through these marvels. I’ve backpacked, hiked, rock climbed, snowboarded, and so much more. This privilege was granted to me by people who believed that I deserved it, and now I have the opportunity to pay this luxury forward. It is truly life changing to go to a place that has changed so much and yet so little and know that someone a long time ago cared enough about us to make sure we could experience it. At least that’s how I feel when I’m leading a trip to the park or picking up some trash on the trail. For those that have never been to a park, and for those of you who visit when you can, I care about you. I want you to experience these places and feel the love and belonging that I’ve felt here. I hope, someday, you can :)
Sincerely,
Yosemite National Park
With its sculpted granite rock formations, towering ancient sequoia trees and spectacular waterfalls, it's no wonder Yosemite is one of the most celebrated national parks in the world.
State(s): California
Established: 1890
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Greetings from Yosemite National Park
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Greetings from Yosemite National Park
Entering Yosemite National Park, I looked up through the sunroof to see The Nose, a wall climbing route on the world-famous summit El Capitan, and a path once thought impossible to scale, yet conquered since by a select few individuals. At that moment, I recalled Connor Herson, the youngest person…
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