The next counselor in our Meet the Counselors series is Abi! She won’t be traveling far this summer since she’s a Bakersville local. After seeing the impact Camp Spring Creek had on one of her family members, Abi knew she wanted to be part of the experience. She’s excited to meet all of the campers and staff and make this summer one to remember!
Tell us a little about your hometown, describing it for those who are likely never to have been there before. If you have out-of-town visitors, where do you take them?
I am actually from the little town of Bakersville! My family and I have been in Bakersville since 2006 so going on 20 years. I never thought much of my town until I left it. In my first year of college I had the opportunity to go on a weekend trip back to the mountains. I remember seeing the Blue Ridge Mountains alongside my friends who had never seen them before. I felt such pride and happiness to have grown up in those very mountains. I would love to someday take my friends to Carvers Gap. I think this location perfectly represents where I grew up because it shows off the beauty of the town and makes you feel apart of something bigger than yourself.
What are you studying in university?
I am currently at Meredith College in Raleigh studying Psychology. I actually came to Meredith originally for fashion design (I know this is a crazy switch). I took my first Psychology class freshman year and fell in love with it. I’ve always been able to connect with others so this major felt very natural to me. I’m still unsure what area I want to go in after graduation but I know I want to work with the youth.
What would campers be surprised to learn about you?
I think the campers would be surprised to learn that I’ve got a good sense of humor. I’ve heard from a lot of people that they originally didn’t see me as a funny person but were pleasantly surprised. I love to make others smile and laugh but this trait seems to shock people sometimes.
What is an experience you're looking forward to this summer?
I’m looking forward to not only connecting with the campers this summer but also the other counselors. I love building relationships and trust with new people so I’m very excited to get started this summer. I’m also looking forward to seeing my personal growth whether that be learning new things or trying more adventurous activities.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Your current situation is not your final destination. Sometimes I find myself worrying about where I am in life academically or career wise, and I get fixated on how this will impact my future. When I first heard this advice it instantly made me relax and realize that life is not a linear path, and challenges will come and go. I began to focus my energy on living my life instead of worrying about it!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
If I could travel anywhere in the world I would probably go to Germany. My nana is the first generation in our family to be born in America. Both of her parents lived in Germany and I think it would be really awesome to see where my family started. I would most likely go to Frankfurt, which is where my great grandmother was born, and just take in the sights or listen to the sound around me. I’ve always been fascinated with my families history and I would love to see what they saw a hundred years ago. I would definitely take my nana with me not only because she knows the family history, but she also speaks a bit of German. I think this would be an amazing and eye opening experience to share with my nana.
What advice would you give a camper who’s nervous about their first day?
I would be very transparent with them and probably tell them I am a bit nervous as well. I would tell them that I am a new counselor here and that we can figure things out together. I think sharing similar emotions and feelings with people can make them feel less alone and know they aren’t doing something alone!
Ask me about the time I... had oysters in New York! (it was fairly traumatic, but made for a funny memory)