Reflection on 2008 EEAW conference

Taking Root in the Field of Sustainability and Environmental Education

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the EEAW conference. In fact, the whole field of environmental education is relatively new to me, as well as state of Washington. Half way into my summer as a waitress at Olympic National Park, a horse rolled on me, utterly crushing my foot. So back to Utah for surgery and family support, but the wonder of the Olympics had captivated me and made me long to come back.

With a severely broken foot and just two Spanish classes away from a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and international studies with emphasis on environmental and development studies, I wanted something to bide my time while being academically and personally enriching. Surprisingly, the folks at the Coastal Resource Learning Center in Aberdeen were impressed enough with my application and interview for their Environmental Education Outreach Americorps position, that they were willing to work with a girl who couldn’t quite walk yet.

Since I started this position, I’ve felt as if it is a cultural immersion into the field environmental education, as well as an economically struggling community with a logging past. I have the opportunity grapple with and work within a region where environmentalists have challenged livelihoods dramatically, creating bitterness and hostility. Attending the conference with that in mind provided an interesting and informative look into what that means in actually implementing environmental education programs.

One of the most powerful aspects of the conference was being surrounded by people that all have some sense of responsibility, stewardship, vision- and are somehow participating and planning their role in making a more sustainable world. It was empowering, gave me hope that there are an amazing group of people working towards a similar cause.

Each concurrent session was so informative on aspects of environmental education ranging from sustainability and social justice; mentoring; innovative approaches of engagement toward democracy; forestry education; coupling science and sustainability; assessment; wilderness education and stewardship; to organic eating, farming and education. Although, I have to admit I was a bit overwhelmed by having to choose between all the workshops that were being offered, I gained a lot of knowledge in a short amount of time.

While I gained a great deal from attending sessions addressing specific aspects of Environmental Education and Sustainability, I gained just as much by observing, interacting, and learning about people, their organizations, what they do, and the path that got them to where they are. The conference was really an immersion to the types of programs, positions, personalities, interaction styles, organizations, networks, and approaches in the field of Environmental Education. I also undoubtedly made some valuable contacts.

Speakers and activities were also beneficial. I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to the Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility, and the ride to and from provided some valuable downtime for informal socializing and networking. Several of the speakers were inspirational. I was awe-struck by the eloquence and spirit of Frances Moore Lappe and her vision. Micheal Pavel’s songs and message were moving. During the closing luncheon, it was rewarding to see the payoff through seeing some of the seniors that have been involved in the Pacific Education Institute’s senior culminating projects, as I am currently working on one of those projects. Finally, was reminded that there is a wonder in the world and nature that inspires all of us to work toward its preservation; and that we must also savor nature while we try to save it.

Like I promised...fish on a scooter

Personal Reflection… a letter to a close and respected Mentor

Don’t want to get too caught up in the details, but sufficed to say, I’ve struggled getting situated, moving in, getting furniture, finding a productive space. Even at work I don’t always have internet access. It’s crazy how much we rely on the internet! There is only one coffee shop that is open till 6pm! (Aahahahahah! I am coffee shop queen and this alone may just drive me insane!) Aberdeen is a hole as far as any kind of culture or entertainment goes, unless you like dive bars and subway. I may exaggerate a little, but its pretty bad! Which I am trying to turn into a positive, by looking at is as way to do those things I don’t….like art, reading, cooking, studying, etc…. when I am too excited and busy doing things in town or with friends. But without the proper means, it becomes a bit frustrating. (I’m happy to say that I’ve subscribed for internet at my apartment and should be connected by Tuesday. Yay!)

Am currently tuning out a huge group of kids playing every possible instrument they can get their hands at the birthday party at the ONE coffee shop in town. My headphones are as loud as they can go! I find it funny and fitting of my Aberdeen experience.

There is no doubt this is a tremendous learning experience and opportunity for A LOT of growth. This I am counting on. Already there has been so much time and experience ripe for self reflection and for that I am grateful, despite all the fucking frustrations (of which there have been MANY!)

On a more positive note, I just got back from a statewide Americorps conference where there were some really good workshops and I made some great networking contacts☺. I also received a full scholarship to attend the EEAW (Environmental Education Association of Washington) conference in mid-November. I had an incredible time, even though very brief, in DC visiting my dear friend Jonas (from Ivory Coast, who I met in Netherlands, who is now working for the World Bank in South Africa and was in DC for training) as well as a nice meet-up with Causton, my DC love☺. I’ve also learned more about the organizational structure of how non-profits work as far as partnerships, funding, etc. as well as a whole lot about environmental education and the various curriculum topics. I’m happy to say I am well versed in teaching kids the importance of and how to conduct water quality testing. We are involved in some pretty damn cool stuff and for the most part, I like the people I work with.

Anyhow, so that is the longwinded way of saying, there is good and bad. Our expectation that this would not be easy is correct. But I am doing what I can to handle the many hiccups and keep relatively positive by looking at things as an opportunity for growth and learning.

Washington Service Corps SERVES Conference

After a night of utter intoxication to try to dull my anger concerning the doctor episode, I can’t say I was in such a social mood. But the drove the three of us Americorps 5 hours to attend the statewide Americorps SERVES Conference in Wenatchee, WA. I can’t say I was expecting all that much based on what I’d heard and a glance over the schedule, but it’s required, we get reimbursed for travel and hell, its free food!

It was frustrating as they did not really accommodate for the handicap, leaving me to navigate a buffet and highly crowed seating arrangements with over 700 people, but already frustrated, I used it to my advantage and just sat on the floor and used it as an excuse to be a bit antisocial and observe…which ended up being quite entertaining.

As the conference proceeded, I came to enjoy this loner status that my knee scooter afforded. It allowed me to really sit back and observe the social interactions and partake only when I wanted to. I liked it.

Surprisingly I got quite a bit out of several of the workshops. Divine Bradely is quite the inspiration and led a great workshop on “Being It NOW!” Just an entertaining guy that really has transformed his life through intention and planning. Another workshop on Humor in the workplace was surprisingly insightful and philosophical, not to mention the guy who gave it was quite entertaining. Also introduced to the Power of Hope organization and approach that is very open, accepting, hands-on, active, fun. Just good ways to approach getting people on board for participation, creativity, acceptance and productivity. Was completely entertained and learned some good stuff about grant writing and made some really good contacts with some select people.

Overall, a very positive experience that got me out of the funk I was in. We enjoyed our little visit to Leavenworth and the charming Beir Garden. Yum! Until we got stuck in Seattle traffic for more than two hours because some dumb ass got on the freeway the wrong direction, killing himself and someone else in process of jamming traffic for a lot of other folk! Grrr!

Doctor Disaster

Uh on the foot front, my first appt with the doctor in Aberdeen may have utterly destroyed my faith in doctors. It was THAT bad! After just about cussing him out for being so unprepared, indifferent and cavalier, we decided it’d be best that I see someone else. Maybe my expectations are too high, but when an orthopedic surgeon is asking his patient which pins need to be removed, I’m convinced there is a problem! So that puts me behind in recovery time as I need to have surgery to get the pins removed before I start putting to much weight and walking regularly. So now I have to find one in Olympia, Seattle or Portland (all three recommended by my doctor in Utah are not preferred providers). Just another example of the frustrations that seem to be popping up.

Learning to be a Mentor

We had a mentor training where we learned about the process of mentoring high school seniors on their culminating projects that are required by the state. Good info and seems it would be applicable in a lot of other situation. Great networking too. I really feel I'm coming into my own, getting more comfortable in my own skin, in a professional sense.... makes me feel pretty good. I look at the other two Americorps volunteers struggling in different ways, or just being less interested in all that is going on and all the opportunities and networking this position is opening up.

I'm so freaking excited about this project I'm going to help mentor with. A guy with the WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife is and expert in facilitating eco/ agro/ nature tourism..(something I have a big interest in...esp in the developing world context)...and so I'm going to work with him and the whole framework is set up for us to facilitate learning and growth on the part of the kids through interaction with experts...so the great thing is I get to learn it all too. That is what i love about this job. That in the process of teaching kids, I'm learning a shit load about not only the natural resource issues, but also about the dynamics of working with kids and a variety of other audiences, the kinds of positions and professional interaction styles...how organizations work together, rely on each other...the work flow. This is such a dynamic position with several partnerships and responsibilities to each of them. Its really exciting to me, although sometimes overwhelming.

Water Quality Testing

We work with several partner programs, one of which gets students involved in water quality testing of area all over the county. It serves to get kids involved and excited about hands-on science. The learning curve was just about the same for us Americorps as for the kids, except for the teacher/parent training we attended and learned one test each. We were kinda thrown in (seems to be a trend). Basically we were given a group of 6th grade students and told to guide students through performing each test. Luckily there is a set of directions in each kit. It went surprisingly well. I found myself matching how Lorena had interacted with the kids over the first few weeks, and got through the first day quite well. Over the next few days, we ended up leading several 4-6th grade classes through testing first in the classroom and then in the field, rain or shine. Lets just say it’s very interesting keeping kids in line and focused when outside in the rain and cold, but I managed! By the end of this, I’d lead students in conducting test on pH, phosphates, nitrates, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and a stream-walk survey based off of one from the EPA, while learning why it is important in regards to the salmon life cyle☺ What a crash course in working with kids! And again, I wish I had stuff like this in elementary school!

Life as a Fish

We got thrown in. Work doesn’t start until Oct 1. but on Sept. 27, we were all initiated to our new role… Yes, it is true, I was a salmon on a knee scooter and got quite a lot of attention… Matt rowed a long boat as a salmon.

It was the Chehalis Watershed Festival, one of the culminating events that allowed us to meet many of the partner organizations we’ll be working with in one fell swoop. Despite the fish costume, I really got excited about everything we are going to be involved with.

Tons of awesome activities, booths, and even a freaking fish pond with 200 live trout for kids to catch and take home. Yes, I also butchered my fish friends…the first time I’ve ever gutted a fish! Demonstrations and models really conveyed the environmental concepts in visual and hands-on ways. Oh, and they had alpacas! The whole time I was thinking, gosh, I wish I had something like this when I was young!

And this is the kinda stuff I'm gonna be doing! Sweet dude, sweet!

Moving with One Foot…

Thinking about just how I was going to get to Aberdeen, find an apartment, and then actually move in--with one functioning foot—was daunting, to say the least. Grandpa Keith drove me up, but the apartment I’d arranged for wasn’t ready until they day after he left. So, dear gracious hosts let us crash at their place and I established a good friend in the first few days here. Yay.

I always forget how much time, effort and money it takes to gather all the odds and ends for a new place! Especially my first very own studio…its MINE...wahahaha. Thank God for Salvation Army and the kind willingness of my fellow Americorps volunteers and new maintenance man Steve…getting all my shit up to my apartment (My car was packed) and then we had a few trips from Salvo and even more from the Ranch….bless them all, and curse this damned foot!

To do or not to do? That is the question.

During my month in bed under heavy medication, I had to decide whether or not to pursue the Americorps position and figure out how to be a full time student in order to be insured under my parents (surgery is not cheap!) After much consulting and consideration, I decided it wouldn’t hurt to try.

By contacting Lorena about whether I could feasibly participate or not, I interviewed over the phone and discussed it with her and the previous Americorps volunteers. Feeling discouraged, I sent an email letting them know I felt that logistically “I would not be able to perform the job at a level I would be proud of, let alone satisfied with,” and was withdrawing from the application process. The reply I received gave me exactly the encouragement and praise I needed in order to know they wanted me and were willing to work with me.

Then came the nightmare of arranging internship credits through USU….but alas it is worked out. 9 credits internship, 2 service learning, and 1 directed reading—all with Robert Schmidt…the godsend! And I’m gonna be a service-learning scholar to boot!

Tragedy Strikes

Already having set up an interview the following week, a visit from my family would keep my mind occupied so the stress wouldn’t build too much. Spent the fateful day introducing my family to my wonderful summer wonderland, I couldn’t have been more happy to share the precious ranch that had provided much needed solace from the drama of Kalaloch; and what better than a ride on Ribbon, the new horse I’d been spending countless hours with? So what if she’d been giving a bit of resistance (as all new horses do with new people)?

The moment I hit the ground, I heard a loud crack. Most of the family had a ride and Ribbon got progressively more stubborn with each rider, so I decided to get on her to “show her who’s boss.” I got shown! As I later found out, when Ribbon rolled on me, my foot was essentially crushed and required serious surgery…with a surprisingly lengthy recovery time. Did that mean Americorps in Aberdeen was out?

I think it not a coincidence…

As usual, summer needed to be away from Utah, in a beautiful place where I could make some money to chip away at my nagging credit card debt and provide a fund for whatever next step I choose to take in pursuit of finishing my super super senior year at USU. Never been and had been told how much I’d like and fit into the Pacific Northwest , so after a coolworks.com search and application process I got hired at all three resorts I applied for. Decided on the Kalaloch Lodge in Olympic National Park (that way I’d have access to three amazingly different ecosystems all in the same area! Coast, rainforest and mountains would be a perfect summer playground).

Middle of the summer rolls around and I gotta start thinking of what I wanna do afterwards…so on a sleepless night that I happen to intercept the chef’s internet connection with a stolen password…I get looking on Seattle’s Craigslist and stumble upon an environmental education outreach position with Grays Harbor College, just 70 miles south of where I’m living! Could it have been fate?