I'm Kari Johnston. As I write this now, I'm 24 years old, but I'll turn 25 on June 19. I think I'll turn 25 in Dawson City and I can think of no better place to celebrate my quarter-century birthday. I've posted a photo of me with my dog Bunny. She's 14 and she smells bad, but she makes me smile.

I was born in Saudi Arabia (as a Canadian citizen) and moved to Toronto (Etobicoke) until I went to Waterloo to study Geography for my undergraduate degree. When I was in second year I helped produce a film, "Voices of Dissent: Canadians in the Global Game", which is a film about the 2002 G8 Summit in Kananaskis.

Since graduation I have been living and working in Toronto. I currently work for a charity in Toronto where I plan special events. I also work at a centre in Toronto where I use neurofeedback to tutor kids with ADD/ADHD and other neurological disorders. In my free time I do yoga, play platform tennis and make delicious dinners and baked goods for my friends. Oh, I also am a badge-wearing member of the Etobicoke Quilters' Guild... and I LOVE a good scotch (am I 64 years old or 24 years old??).

I've spent countless days canoeing in Ontario's Provincial Parks. During high school and university I was a canoeing instructor/camp counsellor and led two week canoe trips. My certifications have all expired, but I feel as though I'm ready for the Yukon River. I'm a skilled camp cook and I've been working hard over the winter to plan out 100 days worth of meals for 9 hungry people.

I didn't realize how important 'being outside' was until I tried to spend last summer working at an office job in Toronto. I took a short canoe trip with a friend and September and I felt as though I was alive again. I really look forward to having moments like that again this summer. I love my friends. I love where I live. I have a good job... but an opportunity like this comes along once in a lifetime AND I'M SO EXICITED TO BE A PART OF IT!