Staff Spotlight: Miho Aida and the Pacific Crest Trail
NatureBridge Director of Equity and Inclusion Miho Aida (she/they) has traveled many paths in their lifetime, including the pivotal one that led them from life in the bustling urban center of Tokyo to exploring and teaching within the expansive and often unpredictable landscapes of the United States’ national parks. Navigating various roles, challenges, and discoveries over the span of two decades in the U.S., Miho has forged a unique trail—one characterized by ambition, resilience, and a profound connection to the natural world. Miho’s most recent adventure took place during the summer of 2023, as they completed a solo traverse of the entirety of the 2,650 mile-long Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)!
Embarking on the PCT in May 2023, Miho sought more than the challenge of the trail; they knew they were embarking on an introspective journey that offered deeper engagement with themselves and their environment. Reflecting on this experience, Miho shares, “The more you let go of control, the more freedom you gain.” But moving through wilderness on their own became more than an expression of this freedom for Miho; it was also an act of cultivating a self-dialogue, trusting themself, and discovering a mutual, adaptive relationship with nature, where listening to the body's needs and the whispers of the earth became a daily ritual.
Early on in their career in environmental education, Miho learned to walk a fine line between adaptation, acceptance, and being assertive. Entering the U.S. as an immigrant and embarking on a tumultuous and uncertain journey as an outdoor educator, Miho came to find that relinquishing things that were out of their control and embracing the unknowns was one way they could thrive and embrace life. “The world is always changing, and either you adapt, migrate, or die. That’s what we teach students, like when talking about bird migration… And the way I can adapt is to just accept a lot of unknowns.” For Miho, the challenge of the PCT represented another opportunity to embrace the unknowns and continue pursuing an attitude of adaptation. And yet Miho emphasizes that “The PCT was just one example for me to show up in the world of unknown and unpredictable events, obstacles, and challenges with humility, empathy, and grace… In my mind, it is just a continuous path that mirrors my life journey.”
I went [on the PCT] for affirmation… Can I trust myself for the journey that I’m putting myself into? I’m throwing myself into this. And there will be a lot of unknowns, right? And can I continue to embrace this piece of trusting through the journey? Because if I could do that, it’s so much easier to approach life.Miho Aida, Director of Equity and Inclusion
One particular episode Miho recalls vividly as a symbol of the mercurial nature of the wilderness and the unpredictability of life on the trail. After eight hours of climbing and descending snow-covered Mount San Jacinto, Miho was caught in the midst of a sudden windstorm while crossing the San Gorgonia River plain. In the whirlwind, Miho found that their hat had been unexpectedly whisked away, setting off a frantic chase that became emblematic of the journey's unknowns and Miho’s inability to control the forces of nature. The incident was more than just a physical struggle against the elements, however; it was a poignant reminder for Miho of the need for adaptability, perseverance, and the kind of resilience that comes from facing and overcoming unexpected trials. Yet Miho also recognizes the humor inherent in the chaotic scene. “The moment when my hat blew off, I was just chasing for speed. I was like, that is my only hat! And then I caught up and I just dove onto it, hanging onto it while tumbleweeds were flying all around me. Once I dove onto the hat and I was laying on the ground, a tumbleweed went over me! That was hilarious… If Hollywood ever makes a movie about this, this would be a really funny moment!”
Throughout their journey, Miho was presented with countless "teachable moments" that deeply resonated with their personal commitment to fostering equity and inclusion wherever they go. Miho encountered many opportunities to role model inclusive behaviors, such as yielding the trail to uphill hikers or listening to thru-hikers of color about their unique experiences and needs*, which offered other hikers a chance to see the world through a different lens and to consider how they could make spaces where everyone feels welcome and belongs. “My lens is so influenced by equity and inclusion,” Miho remarks. “So that is where I noticed so many of these opportunities…creating space and sharing the space was such a big thing for me.”
I had this affirming moment that yes, this one’s for me, and also I want everyone to realize their dreams and fulfill their talents and potential. And I think I was there to model that it’s possible. I hope to create a world where everybody can achieve that.Miho Aida, Director of Equity and Inclusion
For Miho, life on the PCT served as a living metaphor for life's broader journey, imparting invaluable wisdom about the importance of identity and self-actualization, the strength found in community, and the liberating power of embracing the unknown with an open heart and mind. “A big learning was I have this privilege to be myself. I think ultimately, I was just myself. That’s why I want to try another one” Miho says, alluding to their ambition to attempt other challenging thru-hikes in the future. “And I also think that I’m at the point to really fulfill my talents and potential. I had this affirming moment that yes, this one’s for me, and also I want everyone to realize their dreams and fulfill their talents and potential. And I think I was there to model that it’s possible. I hope to create a world where everybody can achieve that.”
Thank you, Miho, for sharing your wisdom from the Pacific Crest Trail and for the inspiration you offer to all of us as we seek to fulfill our dreams and discover our highest potential.
*Specifically, Miho emphasizes the impact of sharing their experience of food and culture on the trail, particularly with other hikers of Asian descent. “I connected with hikers of color and we talked about food. Many of them didn't even think to bring food that reflects their culture. I prepared, packed, and sent over 20 resupply boxes of my own food, knowing that it would be difficult to find healthy Japanese food along the way. So when I met Asian hikers and heard them say that they crave their food, I shared some of my food with them, like my miso soup, salted plum, and rice porridge. Now they know that. This is what I mean: Representation matters. Until you see someone who looks like you or someone who shares their cultural norm, you would not even know that's okay or that's possible. I bring chopsticks with me to eat my lunch when I teach at NatureBridge, and students see me doing that, and some Asian students tell me they will do that too when they go back to their school.”
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