Born as Tabitha Blu-lynn Kelly in
Connecticut, I was relocated to South Carolina at the ripe age of eight. In my
early years I had interests in the outdoors, however my friends and family did
not share my enthusiasm. I struck out from home at sixteen and after rocky
years growing up on my own, I found my most enjoyable times were spent enjoying
the foothills of the Appalachians. I enjoy hiking, camping, and rock climbing.
Additionally I took up trick hula-hooping and been working to become advanced
in this area. Once I realized where my passions truly lay, I knew that to be
fully satisfied in life I would need to pursue a career that worked towards
preserving all that nature has to offer.
I worked hard to put myself through
Clemson University, where I obtained a degree in Natural Resource Management and
minored in Nonprofit Leadership. Throughout my years at Clemson I worked with
nonprofits students groups to organize events which centered around raising
environmental awareness and fostering good stewardship lifestyles. My academic
advisor and I grew very close, and it was recommended that I look at the GBI
for internship opportunities. I was fortunate enough to receive a summer
position in Tahoe over the summer of 2010. In those three short months I felt
more at home than I ever had in SC. I returned to college with the intention of
graduating and getting back to the west. In May of 2012 I completed my degree
and was ecstatic to obtain another position with the NCC, but this time for a
year and starting in Las Vegas. Upon my arrival here I have immediately felt
like the people I am meeting are already family and the work is ideal for my
interests, degree, and skill sets. I hope to continue learning and growing with
this amazing organization and the wonderful people who keep it going.
