From Leadership Program to Conservation Professional
How the Outdoor Outreach Leadership Program prepared me for the workforce
My name is Maung Lay. I’m a Leadership Program graduate and I was a Field Instructor at Outdoor Outreach. For me, when I came to America, everything changed. I didn’t know where to go, and I didn’t know the language. On my first trip with Outdoor Outreach, that backpacking trip changed my life. I realized, wow, this is a big world — but my biggest takeaway from my experience with Outdoor Outreach was the bond I created with my peers in the Leadership Program.
Being in the Leadership Program opened up so many opportunities for me. My experience in the program showed me the possibility of working in the outdoor industry and inspired me to pursue a career in the outdoors. Throughout my 8 weeks in the program, I learned to be a leader and hone my skills in outdoor activities but the positivity and support I experienced from my peers were my biggest takeaways.
As an instructor, my responsibility was to make the participant feel important and like they belong somewhere. By doing that, I feel like I’ve done my job to bring out their curiosity about nature and the world.
I recently decided to take a position with American Conservation Experience because I really want to get experience in many outdoor activities, and also learn many ways on how to take better care of our environment. At some point in my life, I would really want to dedicate myself to spreading awareness to this cause that is near and dear to my heart. I hope to inspire younger generations to seek curiosity and to experience nature.
Outdoor Outreach is a San Diego-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that connects youth to the transformative power of the outdoors. Through our programs, we’re helping youth build resilience in the face of challenges, and confidence in their power to make a difference.