- [music]
- MITCH HARRIS: I work for the Paramount Academy for the Arts,
which is the education branch of the Paramount Theater.
Working at the Paramount is a very fast-paced environment,
it's "go go go!"
Okay.
[chuckles]
You know what I mean?
Oh, I don't know.
Is "showstoppers" one word?
Yeah, I'm excited!
See ya!
Paramount is in downtown Austin.
It's right off Congress Avenue, just a few blocks
from the Capitol.
Everything is very fast-paced.
So that's why I really like to take a step back,
take a breather, get outside.
There are so many opportunities, even within an hour's drive.
So I don't think it's difficult to get outdoors,
but it is something you have to - you have to
make it a priority.
I think a lot times being outdoors can be intimidating.
I definitely felt that way, I know a lot of people
feel that way.
But I don't think you have to have that background information
to enjoy a state park.
I don't think I bring anything super-special to the table,
I just ask the right questions, and I'm not afraid to admit
when I don't know the answer to something,
or don't know how something works.
It's not state of the art.
It's not anything fancy.
It's pretty simple, but it works for me.
I probably do not get outside as often as
the generation before me.
But I also think it's coming back into style.
I think people are re-realizing the value of being outdoors,
and value of just experiencing and enjoying nature.
I don't know what it is but it does not look friendly.
I don't think anyone hates the outdoors.
That's bogus when people say that.
I think there's something in the outdoors for everyone
and you just have to find what your thing is.
So I don't buy this argument that people aren't enjoying
the outdoors anymore.
I don't think that's true.
I think they're just enjoying it in different ways.
I don't think there is a right way to use nature,
you know what I mean?
I don't think there is a right way to experience the outdoors.
Reading a book outside is one of my favorite things.
And it's good in almost any circumstance.
And if you're going for a selfie versus going to tough it out
in the wilderness for five days, great both are valid options.
Alright, I'm going to do it.
I'm going to be super-narcissistic
and get a selfie.
Please don't judge me.
I think the outdoors are for everyone, I think they are
called "public lands" for a reason.
- [crickets chirping]
- [bird chirping]
[tent crumpling]
- [door slams shut]
- Alright.
I think we're good.
I feel like that's a common goal in general...
is to, "I want to spend more time outdoors."
But until you make the plans, it's not going to happen.
And the opportunities are there, it's just about
really committing to it and going for it.