Caroline Antilla

Let it be drawing, acting, photography, crocheting, gardening or cooking- I love art of every medium and enjoy exploring different modes of creative expressions. A placid pacifist in love with life, I am humbled by the beauty of the world. From earliest childhood, I have considered nature to be my greatest teacher; filled with deep respect and gratitude, it is my joy to work for and offer all I can in giving back to the land and our mother earth. Born in California, I found my peace within forests and along creeks, captivated by the flora and fauna of the natural world and fascinated with all forms of life. Growing up on the Big Island of Hawaii, I have been blessed with some incredible opportunities that opened my mind to whole new worlds; conservation, globalization and sustainability, became focus points that have totally altered my prospective and understanding of the environment and the role of modern society in it. As my interests became passions, I was changed from a quiet observer to a motivated and active participant in life. At 18 years old, I am overwhelmed with an eagerness (almost desperation) to get out and explore the world, and choosing the paths of my adult life; however watching and listening to some of my peers and family members, I’ve become aware that society seems to have setup a mindset for a rather narrow range of commonly acceptable directions for youth to follow at this stage in their lives- and I have had a hard time accepting this mindset. So I began a search for alternative opportunities, with hopes of finding meaningful work and committing myself in some kind of (peace oriented) service, wanting to make a positive difference and pursue something outside of myself. That drive is what led me to find the Student Conservation Association. And what an incredible opportunity!

There are a lot of different definitions for “success” as there are many meanings to the word “satisfaction” but one sense of this that I have come to appreciate, would be in taking off my boots after a hard day’s work in nature, laying down at night-sore and ready for sleep, knowing that I’ll be up again with the sun, boots on and ready to give it all I’ve got all over again. It feels good to give back.

ADIRONDACKS- here I come!