About TheChristyBel

The Urge to Fledge the Nest:

I grew up and have lived in Newark, DE the 'Small Wonder' for the past 25 years.  Most of my time was consumed by adventuring the back woods of the tiny state.  Throughout the majority of my life, I have connected and found a passion with the natural world, which had led me to pursuing a Bachelor's of Science with the University of Delaware with an emphasis in Geological Sciences.  Upon graduation, I reconnected with an environmental organization (that I have been involved with for most of my life).  First starting out as an Environmental Education Intern to the Volunteer Coordinator with the Delaware Nature Society. 

Upon realizing that I had a tremendous amount of comfort for my tiny state and my job with the Delaware Nature Society, I have decided to focus on a passion I have had in conjunction with the outdoors, and that is education.  I have always had a love for working with children, and what not a better place to work with them in than the standard classroom, but the outdoor classroom.

2,309+ Miles Later, Finally Made It to Kelly, WY

After gaining courage, strength, determination, and hope, I finally decided to go back to graduate school.  Leaving everything and everyone I know in good ol' Newark, Delaware to adventure westward to the snow-peaked mountains of the Grand Teton National Park in pursuit of upgrading my bag of skills, talents, and knowledge in Outdoor Education with the Teton Science School Graduate Program.

March 2014 - Teaching Harford Day School in the Tetons

Over the past year, I have documented, recorded, and captured my experiences, this slowly developing Forever West Lifestyle, and random moments here on this blog. From my journey westward, through my graduate program, and everything else life brings in between, I have shared with you my thoughts, memories, and highlights in a digital 'scrapbook' of a blog. Anyone from family and friends back home, potential graduate students of Teton Science Schools, or random people in internet land, this blog is for you to experience what I have experiences over the past two years in Wyoming and beyond!

The 20th Grad Class at Teton Science Schools Gathering for One-Last-Time

On July 31, 2014, I completed my year in residency in the Tetons and graduated the Teton Science Schools Graduate Program. Currently, I am finishing my Masters at the University of Wyoming (in Laramie) in Natural Science. Taking courses, working as a Graduate Assistant with the NOYCE - Wyoming Interns to Teacher Scholars program with the College of Education, and creating/starting/finishing my Plan B takes up my 'Year 2' of Grad. School. Laramie is very different from the Tetons, but filled with fun, new experiences, and a taste of being 'home' in a college town.

Come along with me, as I do not want to forget or completely leave my East Coast 'home' and let me share with you new challenges, opportunities, and adventures in this new endeavor!