First Week

Now that we’ve made the training cut, we are expected to do a 3 shift internship. By the beginning of March, we should be full fledged staff. Normally there are two staff in a group with the student to staff ratio being 4 to 1. As interns we have the opportunity to work with a group as a third staff. As such we can learn from seasoned employees about the daily happenings in the field.

My first week was outstanding. There were lots of memorable moments. I got to work with two really competent and caring people. Mike and I both got to work at graduation, where we heard how the program has benefited families.

I also had a personal victory this first week. I swallowed my anxiousness, and volunteered to go on a solo hike in search of missing equipment. It’s an understatement to say that I’m easily lost, so this was no easy task. Especially since most things in the field look the same to my novice eyes.

So I gathered up my courage, a gps, a radio, and verbal instructions. I realize this adventure is starting to sound epic, but truly I’m just that easily turned around. The missing gear was at the previous camp site, just over a mile away. Furthermore, I’d already passed from one campsite to the other as a group at least three times. Still, these things are hard for me!

Long story short, I totally did it. In fact, I only used the GPS when I got near the new campsite because it was in the middle of trees. Trees are way beyond my navigational abilities. This solo hike was a big deal for me in terms of taking steps toward an important life skill that I’ve somehow avoided for the last 26 years. It is also important to my promotion potential. 

I have my eyes on the head instructor position. As head instructor it would be my job to lead hikes and choose camp sites. My recent expedition gives me hope that eventually I’ll be able to do those things with ease.