Teacher Spotlight: Maryhien Pham
One of the many joys we get to experience at NatureBridge is the frequent return of supporters and friends who have had a lasting impact on students as well as our staff. Such is the case with Maryhien Pham, an eighth grade teacher at Lawson Middle School in Northern California who has been bringing students to our Yosemite campus for 10 years. In fact, Ms. Pham was the sixth grade teacher of one of our current Environmental Science Educators in Yosemite, Linnea Pierson, with whom Ms. Pham regularly reconnects during her visits to our campus.
Although Ms. Pham does not consider herself an “outdoors person,” that doesn’t stop her from taking her students on their annual trip to Yosemite. The joy of learning something new, the community building with her students and seeing students’ personal growth during and after their NatureBridge programs all make the journey worthwhile to her. “Every student has at least one positive breakthrough by the end of the week,” Ms. Pham recounted to us.
“I am grateful that our NatureBridge educators have shown such a dedication to and passion for outdoor education, with an ability to connect with each and every individual and positively impact students’ lives.”Maryhien Pham, Teacher
Ms. Pham was first introduced to NatureBridge in 2005 (formerly Yosemite Institute) and she is grateful that her school district continues to see the value and opportunities overnight outdoor education provides their students. “They are challenged physically, mentally, emotionally and persevere building lifelong memories, friendships and skills,” she affirms.
But it is not just the students who make lasting memories! Teachers, administrators and chaperones are often just as impacted as their students by the sweeping majesty of the national parks. Some of Ms. Pham’s most memorable experiences include taking in sweeping views of Yosemite Valley after seeing Lower Yosemite Falls at Oh My Gosh Point, hearing The Lorax by Dr. Seuss read aloud in Tuolumne Grove surrounded by giant sequoias, and the laughs and camaraderie with her colleagues before making the trip home.
Stories
2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz
At NatureBridge, we celebrate the stewards of today and foster the development of the stewards of tomorrow, working to inspire environmental stewardship in all our participants. Our goal is to motivate our students to make waves and be changemakers in their communities and for our planet.
Each year, NatureBridge honors a student who has demonstrated leadership, growth and a commitment to protecting our natural world as a result of their participation in a NatureBridge program. This year’s honoree will be recognized and will speak at An Evening Outside with NatureBridge on Thursday, May 16 at our Golden Gate campus.
We are thrilled to announce our 2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz.
An Interview with Evening Outside Keynote Speaker Dr. Britt Wray
The minute we found out about the work of Dr. Britt Wray, we knew we wanted to learn more about her. A well-respected author and scientist, Dr. Wray possesses expertise in an area of research we talk about a lot at NatureBridge—specifically how we can be resilient, hopeful, and actionable amid a changing world, including the climate crisis. We’re thrilled that Dr. Wray will be joining us on May 16 for An Evening Outside with NatureBridge as our Featured Speaker. Ahead of the event, we had the chance to ask her a few questions relating to her work and her connection to the mission of NatureBridge.
Staff Spotlight: Appreciation for Miho Aida
Miho Aida (she/they) has held multiple roles at NatureBridge over the past twenty-four years, including Environmental Science Educator, Community Connection Coordinator, Field Staff Scientist, Marine Project Coordinator, Pacific Rim Environmental Education Specialist, Armstrong Scholars Educator, Diversity Coordinator, Equity and Inclusion Manager, and Director of Equity and Inclusion. Now, on the eve of Miho's departure, we asked them to reflect on their time at NatureBridge and share a bit about their upcoming adventures.