I was born into suburban Michigan, USA, where I lived for two decades. As my head was filling with trivial information during thirteen years of public schooling, I began to grow discouraged and frustrated. After a brief trial at a traditional university in 2010, I decided to change teachers. Swapping my sterile academic professors for the awe-inspiring teacher that is nature, I started seeking my own truths. So began a journey of discovery that has since led me to permaculture.

I attended my first PDC in 2013 with Bill Wilson of Midwest Permaculture, where I was exposed to attractive alternatives to the problems of my modern western lifestyle. Though my eyes and heart were opened, I was still unsure of the direction to proceed. As advised, I returned home to get my own garden in order.

After a year of continued self-learning, I decided to fully commit my life to permaculture. So, in January 2014, I participated in Geoff Lawton's ten-week internship program with the goal of finding the permaculture career that was right for me- my "right livelihood". What I experienced during my time at Zaytuna Farm was inspiring and life-changing. More than that, I met twenty three fellow interns who quickly became my best friends over the next two and a half months. I owe a lot to these people and strive to build on the momentum they helped to create.

I am continuously working to build my skills so that I might be a valuable asset to our global community. Even though I am new to this game, I am very interested in helping as many people as I can by teaching them the life skills they need to affect positive change in their own lives. Additionally, I seek to establish permaculture demonstration sites in damaged communities, exposing people to a more joyful, honest and fulfilling way of life.

Just remember...

"You don't have to live your life the way other people expect you to." - Chris Guillibeau

Now go change your world,
Erik