Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
Depending on where you grew up in Arizona, there are certain sights, sounds, and smells that will take you back to your childhood. Perhaps it was orange groves and slowly disappearing ranches. Or perhaps the smell of pine branches and juniper trees and the sight of puffy clouds. Either way, there are definitely some experiences we’ve all had growing up that are unique to the Grand Canyon state. How many of these can you relate to?