A letter from Sep 19th, 2021

Dear Ana Morris (or another dear friend), How are you, my love? I am writing today to tell you about the past five years of my life. I am so happy with where these last five years have taken me. I am so happy, fulfilled, and surrounded by a group of people who love me. Three years ago, I graduated from Western with a degree in Environmental Science and a GIS Certificate. It was super hard to get through it and I spent many late nights working on my maps, but I am so glad that I did. When I graduated, I left behind some truly amazing friends and members of my chosen family, but I am just so blessed that I got to have the priceless time with them that I did have. After graduation I spent a bit of time with my mom, dad, and brother. I missed them dearly while in college and I always felt like I was leaving a bit of my heart behind by not spending as much time with them as I wished. Additionally, I spent time in college working in the environmental sector, volunteering for trail maintenance, and learning as much as I could about the natural world around me. I am so glad that I got to travel as much as I have after I graduated. I got to study abroad in Costa Rica, visited Megan in Thailand, and spent some time in Europe. Additionally, I loved my time in The Peace Corps. I loved getting to join a part of a community and having an impact on that place in the world. The connections I made and the lessons I learned during my time there really changed me for the better. I am also so thankful that I have had opportunities to date and love the people that I have for the past five years. Although I haven’t quite settled down with my person, yet I am on my journey of self-discovery to meet and love someone who fits into my life as a healthy partner. You know that this has always been a struggle for me and I am so thankful that I have had you by my side the past five years in order to help walk me through the crazy relationships I have had. I also want to tell you about my job that I have been doing the past couple years. I get to work for this company that is really doing something to help the planet. I am in a sort of environmental education role within the company. I work with a small team to create environmental education plans and presentations to help people to make more sustainable choices. I also work in a community of other likeminded outdoor enthusiasts who support my ambitions. I am slowly figuring out my role in the environmental sector. I have explored education, advocacy, and GIS work. I think in all of them I am so people oriented so its been great to explore, and also get to know who we once were as a part of a society that is deconstructing around us. I know that is a tad bit crazy bit then have I not been right? Hahahaha. Anyway, have loved my current job, I know it’s not my forever career it is on its way there. I have loved how much time I have gotten to spend outside these past five years. Especially after the world has been recovering after the pandemic. Although it hasn’t ever really disappeared, it has faded into the background. Have you seen my new place yet Ana? Its little and cozy, minimalistic but colorful, and so warm. I live near the city and with access to public transportation options including biking. I live with my partner and we have been spending a lot of time cooking in the kitchen and settling into the new place with the change of seasons approaching. I am so thrilled to see our friendship blossom in the past few years and I am simply so proud to see what you have been up to these past couple years. I love you so much and I am just in a place of content but lively action right now and I so wanted to share a part of my joy and life with you. See you when Santa comes <3 Love, Kait PS my 401k and new house are such good investments