Mustangs

I’ve been in Rock Springs now for 19 weeks so I’m nearing the end of my summer here. Already you can feel a change in the air as the mountain west shifts into winter. As I think back on my time here and the things I’ve accomplished I realize how great an opportunity this was. I met really great people while I was here and I made several good friends. I’ve also grown professionally; this internship has allowed me to gain experience and insight into my career. It’s going to look great on a resume I now have more confidence in my abilities and I’ve gained a better understanding and appreciation for the BLM and all that it does. I’ve seen things here that I never thought I would see.
For instance last week I was picking wild rose hips along a creek (with some of the friends I’ve made) and I hear this splash splash splash. At first I can’t really see the animal very well because there are willows in the way. I thought it was just a stray cow, then out of nowhere a moose comes bursting out of the shrubbery right in front of me! He looked at me and I looked at him. I thought about pulling out my camera and before I could even reach for it he was gone in a flash. I’ve never seen a moose that close before, half of me wanted a picture and the other half thought maybe I should back up slowly and high tail it out of there.

A Wyoming Sunset

I guess that’s the way I feel about the end of my time here. Part of me is ready to take my new skills and knowledge and high tail it out of here to new adventures. Part of me doesn’t want it to end; I want to take a picture of this place so I can hold onto the image of my life here for a little longer. Regardless of my bitter-sweet feelings, I know that I’m a much better person for my time spent in this internship. I’ve grown professionally as well as personally. I know that I will always think back on my time here in Rock Springs with a fondness I didn’t expect to acquire. I can honestly say my time working for the BLM here in Rock Springs was time well spent.

                 Greetings from Rock Springs, WY! I’ve been here now for a few months and as I reflect on what I’ve accomplished I’ve realized that it’s a new season for me and I’m glad that I’ve spent it doing the Seeds of Success program.

 Spring time is always a time of new beginnings and growth. I feel like my life has been paralleling this wonderful time of year. This internship has allowed me to grow and start off in the best direction possible. It really is a job that will help to shape you and send you on your way. I can see how the experiences I’ve gained here will help me in the future. These internships will help you to become more confident in yourself and will help you get an up close look at what you would like to do with your life.

They call this the birthing rock. They think the hand prints are from years of Native American women coming to this rock and placing thier hands on it while giving birth.

 So far I’ve been here for over two months and I’m having a really great time. My job consists of driving to areas of large plant populations and collecting seeds. While out and about on these dirt roads you never know what you will come across. (I’ve seen so much wildlife, not to mention the wildflowers! I also had to change a blown tire one day and pull out a man who had gotten himself stuck.) The BLM employees have also been a big help. I’m not an expert (yet) so sometimes it’s frustrating coming up with big enough plant populations and finding areas. Several of the staff here have come up to my partner and me and pointed out spots to us that they have found. It has been a huge help and has kept us really busy.

A pronghorn and her calf

 If you are thinking about this internship, but are having some doubts. My advice is to just apply, just do it! My experience so far is that I have great roommates and a great place to stay, the people  you work with are nice and will help you out. You will never have a better opportunity to experience the outdoors, improve/ test yourself, and learn skills that will help you in your future. Everyone you will work with wants you to succeed and you have it within yourself to make this an amazing opportunity. I’ve come to love this area and I know that I will miss it when I leave. Here’s to many more spring times in my life,

 Deanna Fouts