Profile information
Travel information
We are currently
Travelling
Our next destination:
New Zealand - from Mar 2026 until Jun 2026 View all
Description
Hello! We are Stella and Madla, two recent college graduates who are getting ready to set out on our next big adventure in New Zealand! We met in school and have been together for the past 4 years, living in castles, chasing northern lights, and camping across the US together. We are both hard workers, excited to practice our honed skills as well as hopefully develop new ones as we explore on our travels!
Hi I’m Stella! I currently work for a turtle conservation non-profit and am an aspiring filmmaker and environmental advocate. I am particularly excited to learn more about kaitiakitanga in New Zealand and to immerse myself in some hands-on conservation work, as well as learn more about sustainable farming and living practices. I like to approach all my pursuits with curiosity, eagerness and an open mind. I am a diligent worker and have held a variety of jobs in the filmmaking world including setting up giant lights, lifting sandbags, and working with technology and cameras. I’ve also worked in sustainable film development at Disney, in the field as a naturalist with young children, and as a climate educator for high school students. I also have experience in hospitality and customer service roles so I am quick on my feet! In all of my positions I strive to be an excellent listener, which helps me pick up new skills with ease. In my spare time, I enjoy playing music (particularly piano), finding new walking trails, listening to good stories, and observing the seasons change. I can’t wait to begin this journey and broaden my global perspective and community!
I am Madla, an aspiring photojournalist and writer. I love working with kids and have six years of professional childcare experience, working both as a private nanny and at summer and after-school camps. I am a kind and patient person who can help with tutoring and potty training, and I have experience working with children on the spectrum or those with other needs that require additional support. I am used to doing housework with the families I am with, and don't shy away from big messes. I enjoy cooking and would be excited to learn some new recipes while traveling! I also have experience in pet sitting and working in the food service industry– so long days on my feet don't scare me! In my free time, I love to get outside. I grew up swimming in lakes, hiking, skiing and kayaking, and am very excited to experience some new incredible nature during my time in New Zealand. I am a fast learner and would be excited to spend some time bettering my home improvement and farm-hand skills. I love tending to plants and gardening and am used to working hard outside, as I grew up shoveling snow and doing yard work. You can often find me reading a book (preferably with a cat on my lap), playing with cameras, journaling, or hanging out with friends.
Interests
Charity work
Politics / Social justice
Culture
Pets
LGBTQ
Sustainability
Cooking & food
Drawing & painting
Animals
DIY & crafts
Art & design
Books
History
Plant care
Music
Photography
Writing
Winter sports
Nature
Camping
Beach
Mountain
Sailing / Boating
Water sports
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Adventure sports
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: BeginnerMore details about my language interests
I am really hoping to better my Spanish skills!
Skills and knowledge we'd like to share or learn
We're interested in:
Art Projects
Eco Projects
Creative DIY projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Helping around the house
House & pet sitting
Some knowledge of:
Light gardening
Able to teach about:
Babysitting and creative play
More details about your skills
Hello! I am Madla, an aspiring photojournalist and writer. I am a recent college graduate who just spent three months backpacking and doing Workaways in New Zealand. I love working with kids and have six years of professional childcare experience, working both as a private nanny and at summer and after-school camps. I am a kind and patient person who can help with little ones, and I have experience working with children on the spectrum or those with other needs that require additional support. I am used to doing housework with the families I am with, and don't shy away from big messes. I enjoy cooking and would be excited to learn some new recipes while traveling! I also have experience in pet sitting and working in the food service industry– so long days on my feet don't scare me! In my free time, I love to get outside. I grew up swimming in lakes, hiking, skiing and kayaking, and am very excited to experience some new incredible nature. I am a fast learner and would be excited to spend some time bettering my home improvement and farm-hand skills. I love tending to plants and gardening and am used to working hard outside, as I grew up shoveling snow and doing yard work. You can often find me reading a book (preferably with a cat on my lap), playing with cameras, journaling, or hanging out with friends.
During my time in New Zealand I spent time watching children, caring for livestock, tending large gardens, planting trees, weeding, hedge cutting, lawn mowing, cooking, cleaning, compost pile building, painting walls, doing some supervised home construction work, and poo shoveling, so I am very ready for any tasks you may have!
Age
23 & 23
What else ...
I love writing, reading, art projects, knitting, playing board games (especially Catan!), hiking, going for swims, and just sitting around soaking in beautiful natural landscapes!
Some more information
Smoker
Driver's licence
Allergies
Special dietary requirements
I am Vegetarian
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