American Hiking Society Intern Feature: Meet Nghi Nguyen

American Hiking Society’s Programs Intern, Nghi Nguyen, is taking over the AHS Blog to chat about hiking experiences, and what she’s looking forward to during her time with AHS!

My First Hiking Experience: Big Bend National Park

My love for hiking began during my first year in the U.S., back in 9th grade. My high school organized a class trip to Big Bend National Park, and it was my very first time hiking. As someone who had just moved to the country, I didn’t know what to expect, but that trip changed everything. The physical challenge, the beauty of the landscape, and the peace I felt being surrounded by nature really stuck with me. That experience sparked a passion for hiking, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Why I Joined American Hiking Society

I first learned about American Hiking Society through LinkedIn, and I was immediately drawn to its mission. What really excited me about this opportunity is how AHS is working to make hiking more inclusive and accessible for everyone. For me, hiking has always been a way to connect with nature, to find peace and balance in my life, and I love the idea of helping others experience that as well—especially people who might face barriers to enjoying the outdoors.

What I’m Looking Forward to at AHS

As I start my internship at AHS, I’m really looking forward to learning from the team and gaining hands-on experience in managing programs that make a real difference. I’m especially excited to help expand opportunities for more people to discover hiking, whether they’re seasoned hikers or just taking their first steps on the trail, like I once did. I can’t wait to contribute to the important work of empowering all communities to enjoy, share, and preserve the hiking experience.

I’m looking forward to connecting with the AHS community and helping make the outdoors accessible to everyone!