In December of 2010 I completed a B.S. Natural Science degree at Shawnee University in Portsmouth, OH. The next summer I traveled out west for several weeks of training with the University of Arizona's Laboratory of Tree Ring Research. During that time period I learned about the importance of how trees provide a comprehensive perspective about the history of humanity and our natural environment. Additionally, it was amazing to see how outdoor recreation provided an economy for abandoned mining towns. I took these two important perspectives to Appalachian State University in August of 2011 to work towards an M.A. Geography degree. The students and faculty emphasized how a geographer is meant to study the interaction of both humans and the natural environment. This human-environment perspective was what placed me in between the perspectives of foresters and recreation managers. Throughout my studies I really enjoyed the emphasis that Boone, NC placed on outdoor recreation and appreciation of nature. In addition to earning graduate funding as a research assistant, I was also provided a graduate administrative position by coach Mike Curcio to help with the 2012 cross country season. The combination of research and coaching was one of the greatest experiences of my life. However, as much as I liked it there, I felt a much deeper desire to bring that perspective back to Scioto County, Ohio. Upon completion of the M.A. at Appalachian State in August of 2013, I moved back to my homestead in Lucasville, OH to become an assistant cross country and track coach under the amazing Eric Putnam. Coaching was certainly a great experience and provided me with even more inspiration to enhance the running culture in Scioto County. In January of 2014 I received training to become an affiliate for my family's company, Stand Energy Corporation. This job has truly been a blessing because they let me apply my tree ring research methods to energy management.