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Yosemite Has a New TikTok Star: Meet Volunteer Susan
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By Anthony W. Haddad
Published 6 months ago on
October 31, 2024

Visit Yosemite has found a new star in volunteer Susan at the Oakhurst Visitor Center, whose TikTok videos showcasing her humorous take on Gen Z slang have captivated hundreds of thousands, bridging generational gaps and drawing visitors to the center. (GV Wire Composite/Anthony W. Haddad//Visit Yosemite)

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Visit Yosemite has found its new star, a volunteer at the Oakhurst Visitor Center named Susan.

In a heartwarming twist, Susan has captured the attention of hundreds of thousands on TikTok and Instagram, showcasing a delightful fusion of generational humor and charm.

The current TikTok trend invites older, more experienced citizens to say Gen Z terms like “lit,” “slay,” and “brat” — words that can be difficult to explain, as they are often unique to that generation. This playful challenge adds a layer of warmth and comedy, making it relatable for viewers across all age groups.

Jenna Liston, CEO of Vox Social, came up with the idea to do this trend on the Visit Yosemite accounts during a visit to the Oakhurst Visitor Center.

While checking in with staff there, she spotted Susan and immediately recognized her potential.

“This is a crazy idea and I know we just met but, I’m going to ask you to help me with a video,” Jenna said to Susan. To her delight, Susan was on board without hesitation.

Jenna explained the concept to Susan, asking her to trust her. Jenna guided Susan through the process, having her repeat lines and perform silly actions that brought laughter and joy. She told Susan to trust her and follow her lead.

“She never questioned me one bit, like there was no hesitation,” Jenna said. “She said literally everything I wanted her to say.”

The Power of Personality

The resulting video became an instant hit, racking up almost 300,000 total views, 14,000 total shares, and 600 comments as people from all over recognized Susan’s endearing personality.

Commenters expressed their intent to visit the Oakhurst Visitor Center just to meet her, saying things like, “I’m going to stop by because of this video.”

Although Susan could be blissfully unaware of her newfound fame, Jenna hopes to keep the momentum going.

“I would love for her to be the face of this account,” she said, acknowledging the joy Susan brings to viewers.

As the video continues to gain traction, Visit Yosemite is not just promoting the beauty of the national park, they’re fostering connections that bridge generational gaps. Visit Yosemite wants to encourage visitors to travel through Yosemite’s Southern Gateway communities and check out the small business in Oakhurst before taking their trip to Yosemite National Park.

With Susan leading the way, the Oakhurst Visitor Center is shining brighter than ever, inviting everyone to explore Yosemite and share in the joy of unexpected friendships and laughter.

Watch the TikTok video here

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Anthony W. Haddad,
Multimedia Journalist
Anthony W. Haddad, who graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with his undergraduate degree and attended Fresno State for a MBA, is the Swiss Army knife of GV Wire. He writes stories, manages social media, and represents the organization on the ground.

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