Wherever We Land

For over 20 years, my life has been a whirlwind of stethoscopes, bandages, and the ever-present hum of fluorescent lights. I’ve worn many hats in the healthcare field, from Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to Healthcare Technician. While I’ve always found purpose in caring for others, a spark ignited within me a few years ago, leading me on a path far removed from sterile hospital rooms. Today, I’m an outdoor enthusiast and YouTuber, creating content that celebrates the beauty of nature and the thrill of exploration.

This wasn’t always the plan. Fresh out of high school, the healthcare field beckoned with its promise of stability and the chance to make a real difference. Becoming a CNA felt like a natural first step. Those early days were filled with long hours, learning the ropes of patient care, and witnessing the incredible strength and resilience of the human spirit. There were moments of pure joy, like seeing a patient regain their independence after a long recovery. But there were also challenges, the emotional toll of loss and the ever-present pressure to provide exceptional care under sometimes difficult circumstances.

As I gained experience, I transitioned to a Healthcare Technician role. This broadened my skillset, allowing me to assist doctors and nurses with procedures and diagnostics. The fast-paced environment kept me on my toes, and I thrived on the problem-solving aspect of the job. Yet, a nagging feeling persisted – a yearning for something more, a connection with something bigger than the confines of a hospital.

It was during this time that I rediscovered my love for the outdoors. Growing up, camping trips and weekend hikes were a regular part of my life. The busyness of healthcare had pushed those experiences to the back burner, but a weekend getaway rekindled the flame. The fresh air, the sound of birdsong, the vastness of the natural world – it all felt restorative, a welcome escape from the intensity of my work.

This newfound passion for the outdoors wasn’t just about relaxation. It ignited a sense of adventure, a desire to explore new places and push my physical limits. I started with day hikes, gradually increasing the distance and difficulty. The challenge of conquering a tough trail or summiting a peak brought a sense of accomplishment that I craved. More importantly, being out in nature provided a much-needed mental break, a chance to de-stress and reconnect with myself.

Sharing these experiences with others became a natural extension of my newfound passion. Social media platforms like YouTube offered a perfect outlet. I started creating videos – documenting hikes, camping trips, and outdoor gear reviews. There was a vulnerability in putting myself out there, but the response was overwhelmingly positive. People connected with my enthusiasm for the outdoors and appreciated the practical advice I offered.

Creating outdoor content on YouTube wasn’t just about sharing my passion; it became a way to connect with a like-minded community. I discovered a world of online adventurers, all sharing their stories and experiences. The camaraderie and support I found online were incredibly motivating. We pushed each other to explore new places, try new things, and constantly improve our content creation skills.

This online community wasn’ t just about sharing experiences; it became a platform for advocacy. Through my videos, I started highlighting the importance of environmental conservation. The more time I spent outdoors, the more I witnessed the impact of human activity on our natural world. I wanted to use my platform to raise awareness and inspire others to become responsible stewards of the environment.

The journey from healthcare professional to outdoor enthusiast and YouTuber hasn’t been easy. There were doubts and challenges along the way. Balancing my healthcare career with content creation was a constant juggling act. Learning the technical aspects of videography and editing was a steep learning curve. But the rewards have been immeasurable.

Today, I look back at my 20 years in healthcare with immense gratitude. The skills and experience I gained have shaped me into the person I am today. More importantly, those years instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and a desire to help others. While I may not be providing direct patient care anymore, I believe my YouTube channel allows me to make a positive impact by promoting outdoor activities and environmental awareness.

This journey is far from over. There are countless trails to conquer, new skills to learn, and stories to share. The most exciting part? I get to do it all alongside a supportive online community, all united by a love for the great outdoors. So, if you’re looking for a sign to get outside, explore your passions, and maybe even start a YouTube channel, this is it. The world is waiting to be discovered, and there’s a whole community of people willing to help you along the way!