Prettiest. View. Ever.
Forestry shenanigans
Everyone needs a little Shakespeare at the end of their internship. I hope you all feel the way I do in that I am so sad to leave my friends, colleagues, and this position in general. But at the same time, so excited for the next chapter in my life. At this moment, as of Wednesday, I have been hired on as a Soil Conservationist in Ohio starting in mid October!
One of the Grand Prismatic springs at Yellowstone!
It’s times like these, as I am tying up loose ends around the office and wondering how I can possibly have so much stuff in my possession, that I reflect on all the amazing times I’ve had during this internship. Travelling to Yellowstone, the Bighorns, TWO Oktoberfests, and a surprise trip back to Ohio for an interview.
Being a tourist in the Bighorns.
I can honestly say that this internship has changed me. It forced me to get out of my comfort zone. (Hello…never really did forestry before.) Combine that with being my own advocate and asking for training and advice. My co-intern and I kicked butt collecting data in the field and making a lot of really great contacts all around the state of Wyoming.
Getting artsy during lunch in the field.
All in all, I feel that I have lived an exciting life here in Wyoming. I explored the Black Hills in South Dakota and pretty much the entire state of Wyoming. There are some fantastic federal lands here that I will miss as I move back East. I have a whole new appreciation for those who care-take our federal lands. Often operating severely understaffed and with limited budgets, but making important decisions and positive change all the same. It is with a content heart and eyes wide open that I am entering the federal workforce. I hope more than anything I can maintain my optimism and remember the diligence and logic of some of my favorite mentors here in Wyoming. I hope they know that all of us 20-somethings just entering the workforce are looking to them and forming our professional selves in their image.
Look out world… here we come!
Go forth and make this a world you want to live in,
Andrea