The first thing you'll notice about Chris Resendes, a 21-year-old student at English High School, is his infectious smile and his relentless energy. Chris was introduced to Outdoor Explorations through a WildWorks community service day. As soon as Chris arrived he put everyone in good spirits. He quickly made new friends by telling jokes while raking leaves and demolishing benches.

In the fall, Chris met up with OE once again when his class participated in Outdoor Explorers, a school-based adventure program. Chris experienced the OE themes of adventure, challenge, and community while hiking at the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain and working on accessibility projects at the Department of Conservation and Recreation office in Hyde Park.

Next semester, Chris will participate in another Outdoor Explorers program. This time, he'll show off his leadership skills and knowledge of the outdoors to new students joining the group.

Chris will graduate from English High School in the spring. Chris plans to work with his teachers to practice riding the T to the OE office and filling out his own registration forms to ensure that he can continue to participate in OE's inclusive outdoor adventures.

In the words of Chris, "I love being outside and giving back to my community. I like that Outdoor Explorations allows me to come out here and do my thing."