I’m a former middle school English teacher turned full-time van lifer, freelance writer, and social media content creator. I have a passion for storytelling and a heart for adventure. I spend my days hiking, camping, backpacking, and doing just about anything outdoors.
My husband, Tom, wanted to do van life for years. As a new teacher, I didn't see this lifestyle working out for us. I wanted to work in a school and teach students in person, and I had no desire to sleep in the school parking lot at night. However, after teaching middle school English for 6 years through COVID-19 and the aftermath of the pandemic, I became exhausted and burnt out.
I felt a tug in my heart that there was something greater out there for me. As a weekend getaway, we rented a van out of Denver for a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. I began to visualize this as a feasible next chapter for us. After many nights of discussing our hopes and dreams at breweries, researching van conversion companies, attending van shows, and planning financially, we put down a deposit on our first home together - a 2022 4x4 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter converted by Vanworks in Fort Collins, Colorado. I finished out the school year, and we moved into our van full-time with our dog in June of 2023.
From my experience, I've found that the universe has a funny way of catching you when you listen to your heart and take the risk. I honestly did not know what I'd do for work, where we would park to sleep each night, or if I'd enjoy living in such a small space. Good things take time, and I am thankful I stayed patient. I recently landed a dream job as a blogging assistant for an outdoor blog called Bearfoot Theory, and I also work as a social media content creator for outdoor brands. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had on the road, the people I have met, and the places I have seen. I wake up each morning feeling happy, fulfilled, and excited to see what each day will bring. I cannot wait to see where our travels take us next.
