I had no idea what to expect going into this summer working with KWF. I was starting my very first internship as well as being super far from my family for the first time. However, from the moment I landed in Kenai, I felt welcomed and supported by everyone I was working with, and quickly felt at home.
With this being my first internship, I felt like I knew absolutely nothing, but Ben and Alie were great mentors to learn from and never made me feel like I was stupid for not knowing how to do something. Throughout the summer I gained so many new skills that
I hope I will be able to implement in my future work, not just in the field, but with community education/engagement and GIS/data stuff. I had so many great opportunities that really opened my eyes on what I could pursue as a career post-grad, or for future internships. All of the staff at KWF created an environment where I was able to grow professionally as well as personally, allowing me to come out of my shell and therefore fully experience summer. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forget the people
I met or worked with this summer, as they taught me so much, both regarding work a well as being an adult and preparing for life after college.
I am so thankful for everyone at the Kenai Watershed Forum for giving me the opportunity to work with them this summer. I grew so much as a person, and I credit that to the people I was surrounded and supported by. This will forever be one of my favorite experiences and I am so glad I was able to have my first internship be something that has left such a big impact on me.
