Meet the Summer Communications Interns

Elena, Miles, and Lauren make up this summer’s rock star team of communications interns. You’ll see their efforts showing up through social media, videos, photos and blog posts.

Get to know these talented individuals!

What are you currently up to outside of Venture Outdoors?

I am a rising junior majoring in Psychology and English Writing at the University of Pittsburgh. Aside from Venture Outdoors, I’m involved with psychology research for the Pitt Parent and Child Laboratory. The lab is currently involved in the Smart Beginnings Project, which is working to promote school readiness for children from low income families. Additionally, I am a writer for the Pitt News!

Top 3 favorite outdoor activities?

1. Hiking – I always finish a hike feeling happy and relaxed 🙂
2. Scuba Diving – More than 70% of our planet is made of water; I want to see as much of it as I can!
3. Snowboarding – It’s incredibly fun.

Top 3 things you like to do in Pittsburgh:

1. You can find me hammocking in Schenley Park whenever the sun is out!
2. I love going to see live music; Going to basement concerts and supporting Pittsburgh’s local music scene never fails to be fun!
3. Getting bubble tea from Fuku Tea

What are you currently up to outside of Venture Outdoors?

I produce music and I am working on editing a short documentary.

What brought you to Venture Outdoors?

I was looking for a summer internship when my professor told me that Venture Outdoors was looking for a photographer. I heard about Kayak Pittsburgh and I couldn’t imagine a more perfect place. I grew up on the river paddling up and down in the kayaks or taking day trips in the canoe with my family. All of my friends think it’s weird that I keep a sleeping bag and a tent in my car at all times but the people at Venture Outdoors get it.

Top 3 favorite outdoor activities?

1. Biking
2. Camping
3. Kayaking

Describe your role at Venture Outdoors in 10 words or less.

Videographer

What are your top 3 favorite things to do in Pittsburgh?

1. The Mattress Factory
2. Penguins Games
3. Carnegie Science Center

Top 3 things we wouldn’t know about you by looking at you?

1. I’ve played the flute since 4th grade
2. I LOVE harry potter
3. I’m a cat person

What are you currently up to outside of Venture Outdoors?

Currently, I am completing my Bachelor of the Arts degree in Mass Communication, working part time as a hostess, and enjoying my spare time creating art via music, poetry, photography or video.

Top 3 things you wouldn’t know about me by looking at me:

1. I went to a performing arts high school for musical theatre.
2. I am a Scorpio sun and Leo moon with an Aquarius rising.
3. I have a giant scar on my stomach from a random cyst I had removed in 2016. The cyst was 20cm long and probably weighted about 5 pounds. I had no idea it was growing inside of me or why, but it was benign and there were no complications.

Top adventure of your life thus far?

I spent a semester at Prescot College in Arizona, and for orientation I spent 21 days backpacking through the back country of Arizona. We hiked through two canyons, West Clear Creek canyon and Wet Beaver Creek canyon. If you google search, “the crack swimming hole in Arizona,” you will see pictures of this beautiful water hole that I spent the last day of the hike jumping in. Definitely the top adventure of my life thus far.

Top 3 favorite outdoor activities?

1. Hiking- getting on a trail and spending hours in nature does wonders on the psyche
2. Water Hole Jumping- nothing compares to the rush of adrenaline you get when you hurl your body off a rock and splash into an ice cold pool of water
3. Sun Bathing/Yoga- Stretching and “zen-ing” out under the sun is important to do when you live in Pittsburgh where sunny days and vitamin D is limited

What is your favorite forest/camping snack?

A nice crunchy bowl of granola softened with hot instant coffee, and a spoonful of peanut butter mixed in. Classic.