Mikala

Travel information

I am currently

Description

I'm highly motivated by new experiences and what I can learn from the people around me. I'm constantly in search of opportunities for growth, new connections, hands on experiences, and any excuse to be outdoors. My main joys in life are guitar, traveling, running, climbing, gardening, and spending time with people I love. These are my longtime hobbies...though recently I've developed an unexpected interest in birding. I spent much of my summer waking up early to lead bird hikes for friends and coworkers. Developing new interests and learning as much as I can about them is the kind of thing that motivates me. I'm quickly inspired by what those around me are excited about, especially if it has to do with music, writing, or nature.

Interests

Music

Plant care

Nature

Gardening

Hiking

Outdoor activities

Sustainability

Writing

Cooking & food

Culture

Books

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate

More details about my language interests
Between high school and college, I took Spanish classes for 6 consecutive years. I have a decent understanding of grammar rules, spelling, and the basics of how to learn and memorize vocab. Being that I've spent a lot of recent time in a classroom environment, I'm looking to expand into real world practice and also use what I have learned in any way I can.

Find a language buddy

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Hospitality/Tourism

DIY and building projects

Eco Projects

Art Projects

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Some knowledge of:  

Languages

Gardening

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Able to teach about:  

Helping around the house

Babysitting and creative play

More details about your skills

I worked on a gardening crew for two summers, building a basis of knowledge about weeding, plant ID, fertilizing, mulching, deadheading, and general care taking skills for (mostly) vegetables and flowers.

Additionally, I have experience tapping maple tree's and making maple syrup. I grew up doing this project yearly with my family, gathering sap, boiling it down, and canning syrup.

In 2022, after graduating, I backpacked the Camino De Santiago with two of my closest friends. This 160 mile trip taught me a multitude of unexpected things about myself. I learned how to travel lightly, how to leave no trace, how to handle something physically challenging, and how to learn and connect with strangers despite some language barriers.

This past summer, I worked at a nature center in Michigan learning all kinds of new earth related skills, developing programs for children and adults, and leading educational hikes. My personal passion project was a tea making program, where I would lead people around the garden and the woods, forage for herbs, explain medicinal benefits, and then make tea for everyone to drink together. I spent a lot of my time researching wild and grown herbs in the area and how to safely use them.

Age

21

What else ...

I'm on a gap year from college at the University of Michigan right now. I would have been entering into my third year of school, but decided to take some time away from academics and pursue other opportunities for growth at this time. I'm eagerly looking for any experience, knowledge, or learning of any sorts - just outside of the classroom. I want to use this time wisely, to learn, to make new connections, and to live.

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies

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  Special dietary requirements