Tell us about yourself - who are you and what do you love doing?
Hi, I’m Rehna-British Pakistani. I am a youth and community worker and outdoor instructor. I absolutely love bringing young people into the countryside and facilitating experiences for young people who wouldn’t otherwise get such opportunities.
Give us three words that you identify with most?
Positive, caring and apparently a “nature queen” (according to my sisters)!
What brings you the most joy outdoors?
The most joy I get when outdoors is just the feeling of not having to worry about anything else. The feeling of freedom and adventure- That’s for myself on a personal level but in terms of the job, the most joy I get is when I bring young people into the mountains or on top of a crag somewhere , it’s their first time in such environment and they are just in complete awe- that’s proper joy for me! The best thing I recall is on top of Cairngorm with the best winter conditions ever and one of the young people said to me “which other 15 year old Asian lad can say he has climbed Mt Cairngorm” ...joy right there don’t you think?
What has been your biggest challenge to date?
I think it probably has to be self-confidence. I mean given the nature of my job I have to be confident to some extent and I definitely am getting so much better at it yet sometimes I just think "hmm, surely I won’t be able to do that" when in reality of course I can! so, I end up literally talking and psyching myself up like a mad woman!
If you could share a core value or abiding principle with others, what would it be?
Just be accepting of other people from different backgrounds and cultures. Don’t think that just because they are brown or black they are somehow more inexperienced or need your unsolicited advice. Be caring and thoughtful and just love one another!
Tell us one small change we can make as individuals to help our community?
One small change that would make a huge impact for me has to be for this community to not be so judgy! Not judge others on what gear they have, not judge people on what grade they’re climbing, not judge people based on their qualifications, not judge people based on their skin colour or sexuality etc. Just stop judging and I am pretty sure that would make people from all different backgrounds and walks of life feel so much more welcome in the Great Outdoors!