JOLEEN EVANS

Shop Facilitator

While I’m not a native Idahoan, my parents were born and raised in Nampa so I spent many summers growing up visiting family members here. I grew up in New Hampshire and enjoyed swimming and going to the beach. When the time came to apply to colleges, I knew I wanted to get out of New England. One, because it is stupid expensive to go to school in New England—think almost $35,000 for in state costs. Two, because I knew there was so much more for me to see and experience.

As I looked at out of state schools, my parents—being UI alumni—suggested that we tour the campus, just to humor them. And much to my surprise, I fell in love with Moscow and University of Idaho. I graduated in May of 2019 with my bachelor’s degree in environmental science, with a minor in climate change and political science. While there, I met lifelong friends, played trombone in the marching band and pep band, photographed for the Argonaut and Blot Magazine, and was a trip leader for the Outdoor Program. I fell in love with Idaho and its natural landscape that came with many opportunities for hiking, camping, and swimming.

I moved to Boise in April 2020—great time, I know—and found a job to help pay the bills. Then, I was lucky enough to get a job as a trail crew member with Ridge to Rivers. I built new trails and helped maintain old ones. It was gratifying to hear positive feedback from the community about how they were so thankful for the work we were doing. After the season, I knew I wanted to work with an organization that helps its community. I found Boise Bicycle Project and instantly connected to their mission as a community member and environmentalist. Now, I enjoy helping members and walk-ins with any questions they may have about their bike or our organization.

When I’m not working, I enjoy crocheting, playing video games, cuddling with my cat, and getting food or drinks with friends. I’m lucky enough to have a delightful bike ride to work all on the greenbelt. I ride an Ariel Specialized—the same one I’ve had since high school. It gets me from Point A to Point B but I’m looking forward to modifying it so it’s one of a kind.