Jamie Diane Ratchford
Welcome to my site. Let me introduce myself. I am a nature-loving adventurer and a hopeless optimist. Ever since I was a little girl I’ve found joy in writing and making pictures. In 2014, my partner Chris and I, thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail. Along that two thousand mile journey, I began to understand that I wanted to dedicate my life to learning and exploring, documenting the natural world, and sharing stories.
After the trail, we traveled to several farms across the U.S. volunteering with an organization called Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms. But after being out of school for over a decade I realized it was time to learn how to transform my hobbies into projects that could serve the world. I decided to enroll in a journalism program at Northampton Community College. This was a life-changing decision. I was afforded a wealth of opportunities and along with my general coursework, I was able to study abroad in Colombia, France, and Egypt. These incredible experiences opened a new floodgate of dreams. I completed my Associate’s degree and then in 2021 I became a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Transfer Scholar. I now attend Rochester Institute of Technology where I study photojournalism. In between semesters I have been working for the National Park Service as an Interpretive Ranger where I’ve gotten to share my love for the outdoors with others.
With devotion, perseverance, and optimism, I am driven to protect our natural environment. I hope to use my work as a writer and photographer to inspire others to do the same.
Often Wondering 