I was born at the milepost 24 marker along the McKenzie River in Eugene, Oregon.

 

When I was a child my family lived in Guatemala in a Mayan Village. This is where I first learned about culture. My parents bought and sold Guatemalan goods in the US. After Guatemala we moved to Maui so my father could surf. He worked in the National Parks and would take me exploring with him. Travel and new places have always been a part of my life.

 

Life is unpredictable and I’ve had my share of curve balls. I kept traveling as I grew up, but not as often as I would have like with things like work and real life getting in the way. I kept putting off the things I wanted to do, always making excuses. 

 

My best friend and roommate was a professional trainer and body builder, the most inspiring woman I’ve ever known. We had been friends since 4th grade, playing every sport we could together. She always inspired me to push myself.

Genevieve lost her life at 34 in a swimming accident. I remember not believing that something like that could happen.

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Shortly after Genevieve’s death, my Mother was diagnosed with lung cancer. They removed her tongue and left side jaw, and we thought she was cured. My mother was also very positive person, even after she had lost the ability to talk to me, eat food or drink liquid she kept planning her future.

My mother lost her life at 57. 

 

 

After sinking into the deepest depression I had ever felt, I had to find a way to pull myself back up. I started doing everything I dreamed of, all of the things that my friend and mother could no longer do, all of the things I had spent years making excuses to avoid. 

 

Hiking became my passion, every step with tears and aches but I found myself again. From surf school in Australia to exploring the Mayan Yucatan trail, I am checking things off my list. I am conquering my fears one step at a time, even if they are only baby steps. Everyone has a story and beyond milepost24 is mine. We all are doing the best we can, we are no different from those we envy, we just need to take the first step. 

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Environmental Conservancy is another one of my passions. Having studied Environmental Law in college, I proudly helped put the Fender’s Blue Butterfly on the endangered species list, and taught Environmental Science to middle school children with AmeriCorps. I know that when people experience nature they are bound to fall in love with it. The more people that get out there and experience it the better. 

 

I currently own a furniture store in Oakland, California addition to an interior design business, milepost24. When I'm not traveling I live in an old Victorian in the East Bay surrounded by trinkets from my trips, and photos of all of the people that make me happy. 

 

Check out milepost24.com for more of my work!

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-KANIA